Immunization Information For Parents
The immunizations your children get can protect them from vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccines protect children by providing them with immunity before they are exposed to these diseases. They sometimes need more than one dose of the same vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) recommended immunizations for children from birth through age 6 and recommended immunizations for children age 7-18 help parents know which shots their children need at what ages.
Children 6 months and older should get a flu shot every year.
Many of these are required immunizations for entry into child care, preschool, and school in Rhode Island.
The vaccine schedules and the vaccines on them meet the highest standards of vaccine safety. Parents who spread out shots or don't follow the schedules put their children at risk of developing a disease during the time shots are delayed.
What you should do
- Ask your child's pediatrician about immunizations at every visit.
- Make sure your child is vaccinated according to the immunization schedules for infants, children, and adolescents, depending on his or her age.
- Make sure your child meets the school immunization requirements for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 12th grade.
- Learn about Vaccinate Before You Graduate. This program helps middle and high school students catch up on vaccinations they missed. Vaccinations are free of charge through this program.
What to expect after your child gets a shot
Immunizations are the best protection against serious illness and hospitalization. Children may experience a low-grade fever, fussiness, or soreness at the site of a shot. Serious side effects are rare. Talk to your child's pediatrician about any concerns or questions you have before, during, and after shots.
Cost
The Rhode Island Department of Health’s Office of Immunization provides all recommended vaccines for all children, birth to age 18, at no cost. Depending on your health insurance, you may have to pay a small fee for vaccine administration. If you do not have health insurance or a regular doctor, your child can get immunized at Asthenis Public Health Hub.