Parent Page – Infant, Toddler & Child
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 ASIIS (Arizona State Immunization Registry), 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.
For additional state-wide resources for your family visit our Family Resource Page.
Journey of Your Child's Vaccines
Frequently Asked Vacacine Questions
Some commonly asked questions about childhood vaccines:
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. (CHOP) Link to PDF
Don’t infants have a natural immunity?
Disease protection a mother passes onto their newborn, or natural immunity, 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. Link to PDF
Haven’t we gotten rid of most of these diseases in this country?
Actually, many diseases still occur at low levels in the United States (like measles, mumps and hib). Many other diseases are wide-spread still 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 that protection for your children while they are young. Learn more about these diseases by visiting the Vaccine Education Center.
I heard that some vaccines can 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. Link to PDF
Can’t I just wait until my child goes to school to catch up on immunizations?
The immunization schedule has been studied and has been determined to be the best schedule and work the best for children to protect them each step of the way against vaccine preventable diseases. Changing the schedule not only leaves your child vulnerable to disease prior to school but also creates a new schedule for vaccines that has not been studied as the the CDC recommended schedule as been. Link to PDF
Questions about vaccinations for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
Being a parent of a child that has disabilities can offer additional questions regarding vaccinations. Although you may find answers in our Commonly Asked Questions section, we also wanted to provide additional information from a strong national organization. The Arc not only is a national organization, it has local chapters all over the country, including here in Arizona. Below you will find a link to their national website with information regarding childhood immunizations. If you have any additional questions, you can also visit our Ask the Expert forum and submit your question(s).
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Stay home if you are sick
Avoid close contact with
sick people and wear a mask
Cover your nose and mouth
when you sneeze
Wash your hands often
Clean and disinfect
Stay up to date on your vaccinations