Immunizations are a series of shots that protect children against certain illnesses, many of which are potentially fatal. These vaccines are usually given to children when they are very young and most vulnerable to certain viral or bacterial infections. In some cases, these vaccines provide a lifetime of protection against disease. Other immunizations have to be periodically updated.

The vaccines used in childhood immunizations are made up of tiny amounts of the disease (either in killed or weakened form) that are injected into the body. The immune system perceives these injected microorganisms as a threat and responds by creating antibodies to the disease. These antibodies wait in the body and attack germs when children are exposed to them. The process of establishing antibodies to a disease is known as immunity.

Childhood immunizations usually target 13 diseases, including:

• Hepatitis B (liver infection)
  
  
• Rotavirus (leading cause of severe diarrhea in children)
  
  
• Diphtheria (severe throat infection)
  
  
• Tetanus (serious nerve disease)
  
  
• Pertussis (respiratory illness sometimes known as “whooping cough”)
  
  
• Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria (leading cause of meningitis prior to vaccine)
  
  
• Polio (virus that can cause permanent paralysis)
  
  
• Pneumococcal infections (lead to ear infections, pneumonia, blood infections and bacterial meningitis)
  
  
• Measles, mumps and rubella
  
  
• Chickenpox
  
  
• Hepatitis A (liver infection)
  
  
• Meningococcal disease (bacterial infection that can lead to bacterial meningitis)
  
  
• Human papillomavirus (sexually transmitted viral infection that can lead to cervical cancer in women)

In addition to these standard vaccines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  and other health organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that all children between the ages of 6 months and 59 months receive the influenza vaccine each year.

Immunizations are a necessary part of keeping children healthy and protected from illness. However, injections often frighten children. Parents are urged to explain to children that it is okay to be afraid, but also to encourage the child to be brave. Parents should also assure the child that they will remain present throughout the procedure.