Frequently Asked Questions for Parents
From the American Academy of Pediatrics Childhood Immunization Support Program

FAQ: Paying for Vaccines (PDF 174KB) Answers the following questions:

  • My insurance plan does not cover immunizations. How can I guarantee my child receives the recommended vaccines?
  • How can I convince my insurance plan to cover vaccinations?
  • I am currently without insurance, but I realize the importance of vaccines. How can I make sure my child is vaccinated?
FAQ: Parental Concerns (PDF 157KB) Answers the following questions:
  • How soon can I get my baby daughter's ears pierced?
  • My son was recently immunized. Should I be concerned that the nurse giving the vaccines did not wear gloves?
  • If my child has severe allergies, should he still be vaccinated?
  • Our family is moving - how can I find a pediatrician for my child?

FAQ: Common Vaccine & Immunization Questions (PDF 157KB) Answers the following questions:

  • I never got a chickenpox vaccine when I was young, why should my child receive the vaccine?
  • How can I comfort my baby while he is being vaccinated?
  • What are the benefits and risks of immunization?

FAQ: Immunization/Breastfeeding and Lost Records (PDF 185KB) Answers the following questions:

  • Does my baby need immunizations if I am breastfeeding?
  • I cannot find my child's immunization record. What should I do?

FAQ: Influenza (PDF 162KB) Answers the following questions:

  • I've heard reports that there is uncertainty about the 2005-06 flu vaccine supply. Should my child be vaccinated against Influenza? If so, when?
  • What are some practical ways to reduce the spread of the influenza virus?

FAQ: Whooping Cough (PDF 318KB) Answers the following questions:

  • What is Whooping Cough?
  • What are the symptoms of whooping cough?
  • How many cases of whooping cough are there today?
  • What can I do to protect my child from contracting whooping cough?

FAQ: Vaccine Safety #1 (PDF 147KB) Answers the following questions:

  • I'm worried about my baby's shots. Are vaccines safe?
  • Does the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine cause autism?

FAQ: Vaccine Safety #2 (PDF 302KB) Answers the following questions:

  • What is thimerosal? Is it safe?
  • Why do we give our children so many shots? Is it safe to give multiple vaccines in one visit?

FAQ: Immunization Information on the Internet (PDF 391KB) Answers the following questions:

  • With so many internet sites on childhood immunization or vaccines, how do I know which one is reliable?
FAQ: Vaccine Books (PDF 386KB) Answers the following questions:
  • As a mother-to-be, I would like to read more about immunizing my baby but don't know where to start. Where can I find books on this topic?