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Maine Immunization Program > 10 Things To Know

10 Things To Know

10 Things you need to know about immunizations

1. "Why should my child be immunized?"

Children need immunizations (shots) to protect them from dangerous childhood diseases. These diseases have serious complications and can even kill children.

2. "What diseases do vaccines prevent?"

  • Measles Mumps Polio Rubella (German Measles) Pertussis Diphtheria Tetanus Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib disease) Hepatitis B
  • Varicella (chickenpox)

3. "How many shots does my child need?"

The following vaccinations are recommended by age two and can be given in five visits to a doctor or clinic:

  • 1 vaccination against measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) 4 vaccinations against Hib (a major cause of spinal meningitis) 3 vaccinations against polio 4 vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) 3 vaccinations against hepatitis B
  • 1 vaccination against varicella

4. "Are the vaccines safe?"

Serious reactions to vaccines are extremely rare, but do occur. However, the risks of serious disease from not vaccinating are far greater than the risks of serious reaction to the vaccination.

5. "Do the vaccines have any side effects?"

Yes, side effects can occur with vaccination, depending on the vaccine: slight fever, rash or soreness at the site of injection. Slight discomfort is normal and should not be a cause for alarm. Your health care provider can assist you with additional information.

6. "What do I do if my child has a serious reaction?"

If you think your child is experiencing a persistent or severe reaction, call your doctor or get the child to a doctor right away. Write down what happened and the date and time it happened. Ask your doctor, nurse or health department to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Report form or call 1-800-338-2382.

7. "Why can't I wait until school to have my child immunized?"

Immunizations must begin at birth and most vaccinations completed by age 2. By immunizing on time (by age 2), you can protect your child from being infected and prevent the infection of others at school or at daycare centers. Children under 5 are especially susceptible to disease because their immune systems have not built up the necessary defenses to fight infection.

8. "Why is a vaccination health record important?"

A vaccination health record helps you and your health care provider keep your child on schedule. A record should be started at birth when your child should receive his/her first vaccination and updated each time your child receives the next scheduled vaccination. This information will help you if you move to a new area or change health care providers, or when your child is enrolled in daycare or starts school. Remember to bring this record with you every time your child has a health care visit.

9. "Where can I get free vaccines?"

The Vaccines for Children Program will provide free vaccines to needy children. Eligible children include those without health insurance coverage, all those who are enrolled in MaineCare, American Indians and Alaskan Natives.

10. "Where can I get more information?"

You can call the National Immunization Information Hotline for further immunization information at

1-800-232-2522 (English) or at

1-800-232-0233 (Spanish).