Parents
Have you ever wondered where your parenting manual is? Being a parent is no easy task. From day one, your child begins to grow and change, and it instantly becomes your job to make the best decisions you can.
It starts with your child depending on you for every need…food, clothing, medical care, the list goes on and on. Parenthood then evolves into your children wanting to break away and discover their own independence.
No matter what stage of parenthood you are in, TAPI has developed this page for you. Vaccinating your infant, child, or teen is an important decision that you make every step of the way. Below you will find information on some commonly asked questions regarding immunizations and information about immunizations and how as a parent, you can make the immunization process a little easier for your child and for you.
Additional Resources
Vaccines at Any Age & Stage
Click on the age demographic for more information.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Is it okay for my baby to have so many shots at once?
- Don’t infants have natural immunity?
- Haven’t we gotten rid of most of these diseases in this country?
- I heard that some vaccines could cause autism. Is this true?
- Can’t I just wait until my child goes to school to catch up on immunizations?
- Questions about vaccinations for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
Yes, the vaccines that children receive in the first two years of life are just a drop in the ocean when compared to the tens of thousands of environmental challenges that babies successfully manage every day. (Source: CHOP)
Disease protection a mother passes onto their newborn will fade over time. That is why it is important to follow the recommended childhood vaccine schedule. Vaccines help boost your child’s own immune system to protect them as their natural immunity fades. (TAPI Childhood Vaccine Schedule)
Many diseases still occur at low levels in the United States (like measles, mumps and hib). Many other diseases are widespread in other parts of the world (like polio, rubella and diphtheria) and therefore are just a plane ride away for your family! It is important to build protection for your children while they are young. Learn more about these diseases by visiting the Vaccine Education Center at CHOP
No, this is not true. There have been many, many research studies all showing no link to autism and vaccination. (source: CHOP)
The CDC schedule is the best schedule and works to protect your child from preventable disease each step of the way. Changing the schedule not only leaves your child vulnerable to disease, but also creates a new schedule that has not been studied the way the CDC recommended schedule has been. (TAPI Childhood Vaccination Schedule)
Being a parent of a child that has disabilities can raise additional questions regarding vaccinations. Although you may find answers in our Commonly Asked Questions section, we also want to provide a resource for additional information. The Arc not only is a national organization, but it also has local chapters all over the country, including here in Arizona. Below you will find a link to their national website. If you have any additional questions, you can also visit our Ask the Expert forum and submit your question(s).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it okay for my baby to have so many shots at once?
Yes, the vaccines that children receive in the first two years of life are just a drop in the ocean when compared to the tens of thousands of environmental challenges that babies successfully manage every day. (Source: CHOP)
Don’t infants have natural immunity?
Disease protection a mother passes onto their newborn will fade over time. That is why it is important to follow the recommended childhood vaccine schedule. Vaccines help boost your child’s own immune system to protect them as their natural immunity fades. (TAPI Childhood Vaccine Schedule)
Haven’t we gotten rid of most of these diseases in this country?
Many diseases still occur at low levels in the United States (like measles, mumps and hib). Many other diseases are widespread in other parts of the world (like polio, rubella and diphtheria) and therefore are just a plane ride away for your family! It is important to build protection for your children while they are young. Learn more about these diseases by visiting the Vaccine Education Center at CHOP
I heard that some vaccines could cause autism. Is this true?
No, this is not true. There have been many, many research studies all showing no link to autism and vaccination. (source: CHOP)
Can’t I just wait until my child goes to school to catch up on immunizations?
The CDC schedule is the best schedule and works to protect your child from preventable disease each step of the way. Changing the schedule not only leaves your child vulnerable to disease, but also creates a new schedule that has not been studied the way the CDC recommended schedule has been. (TAPI Childhood Vaccination Schedule)
Questions about vaccinations for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
Being a parent of a child that has disabilities can raise additional questions regarding vaccinations. Although you may find answers in our Commonly Asked Questions section, we also want to provide a resource for additional information. The Arc not only is a national organization, but it also has local chapters all over the country, including here in Arizona. Below you will find a link to their national website. If you have any additional questions, you can also visit our Ask the Expert forum and submit your question(s).
Why should I trust vaccines?
Why immunize?
Vaccines are made to help you live a longer and healthier life. Stay up to date on vaccinations to protect your family and yourself from many serious and potentially deadly diseases. The goal is to obtain herd immunity, where a large enough portion of the community (the herd) becomes vaccinated to limit the spread of disease from person to person and protect people who are not immune.
Little Extra Boost of Immunity!
In addition to vaccines, you can naturally boost your immune system by eating healthy meals and adding superfoods to your diet.
Examples include berries, fish oil, greens, nuts/seeds, spices, citrus, poultry, and veggies!
These foods contain antioxidants and vitamins such as A, C, and E to keep your body going and your immune system strong.