IMMUNIZATIONS
Questions & Answers

Q: Why does my baby need immunizations or baby shots?
A: When children are born, they have temporary immunity (protection) from their mother to some, but not all, childhood diseases. It is important to vaccinate children against diseases like diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, tetanus, Hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox) and Haemophilus influenza type B. When possible, combination vaccines are given to reduce the number of shots required at one time. The immunity children have at birth is temporary, meaning infants need to receive several doses of a vaccine in order to produce lasting immunity against a disease.

Immunizing individual children helps to protect the health of our community. Vaccinating children will help to reduce the risk of exposing people who are considered high risk if they contract (catch) these diseases but cannot medically receive the preventive vaccine. High risk persons include those who are undergoing treatment for cancer, are pregnant, have HIV or other chronic medical conditions.

Q: Why does my baby have to get so many baby shots?
A: There are different shots for different diseases. Baby shots must be given at certain times to protect your baby from these diseases. See the schedule below.

Q: I have not heard of some of the diseases. Are they a problem for my baby?
A: Before vaccines, many children died of childhood diseases. Those same diseases exist today, but babies are now protected by vaccines, and so, we do not see these diseases as often. However, if children fail to receive their vaccines, these deadly diseases can quickly reappear.

Q: What is the difference between required and recommended vaccines?
A: Required vaccines are those that are mandated by laws. These fall under the Public Health Laws for Immunizations. The required vaccines can vary from state to state and do change at times due to new information and recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). In North Carolina, every child present in this State shall be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B, haemophilus influenza type B(Hib), rubeola(red measles), mumps, and rubella. For more information about North Carolina's immunization laws go to www.immunizenc.com.

The enforcement of these laws often occurs when a child enters childcare, primary school or college. Records are reviewed before entry into such facilities and parents are informed if the child is not up to date.

Recommended vaccines are just that: immunizations that have been recommended by the ACIP to help prevent certain types of infectious diseases such as influenza (flu), but are not required by law. They often target specific populations of people that may be at a higher risk than the general public of contracting certain vaccine-preventable disease. These populations may include children who attend child care, who are entering college, or have specific chronic diseases such as asthma. Recommended vaccines may also apply to adults such as those who care for children, or who ar over a certain age. At times, these vaccines may begin as a recommendation and then become required later as studies and as data show increased benefits if given to the general population.

Q: Will baby shots make my baby sick?
A: In most cases, vaccines cause no side effects, or only mild reactions such as fever or soreness at the injection site. Very rarely, children experience more serious side effects, such as allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, hives, or weakness), high fever, or behavior changes. Severe reactions to vaccines occur rarely. If your child experiences a more serious reaction, report it to the child's physician immediately. The danger from the disease if far greater than the danger from the vaccine in most cases.

Q: Are baby shots going to hurt my baby?
A: Getting any kind of shot can hurt a little—but it will only last a few moments. Hold and snuggle your baby after they get a shot. Tell your child how good they were and that everything is okay. Remember, baby shots protect against dangerous diseases.

Q:When can my baby go back to day care after getting baby shots?
A: Your baby may return to day care right after you leave the health care provider's office. There is no reason to keep them out of day care after getting shots. Some parents take their babies for shots on days that will give them more time together afterward. It's up to you.

Q: How much do baby shots cost?
A: There is no charge for childhood immunizations for children 18 years and younger.

Q: When can I bring my baby in for a shot?
A: Call the Health Department at 296-2130 to schedule an appointment. Be sure to bring your child's shot record if you have a copy from another health care facility.

ADULT IMMUNIZATIONS

Why do Adults need Immunizations?
Many people think immunizations or 'shots' are just for kids. Adults also need immunizations to help protect them against certain diseases. Sometimes adult shots make up for shots not given during childhood. And, sometimes they 'boost' protection that may be wearing off.

What shots do adults need?
Like children, it depends upon age. An adult's health, work and lifestyle also affect which shots are needed.

Are there side effects to adult shots?
Adult and childhood vaccines are among the safest and most effective medicines available. Common side effects in adults are a low fever and/or a sore arm. Vaccines will not interfere with your current medicines. Talk with your HealthCare provider if you have any questions about which immunizations are recommended for You!

What Adult Immunization Services are available at the Health Department?
The Duplin County Health Department provides Adult immunizations daily, Monday through Friday, by appointment. Call 910-296-2130 for more information.

Vaccines available:

• Adult Tetanus Diphtheria Pertussis
• Adult Tetanus Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A & B
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella
• Pneumococcal
• Influenza
• Rabies -pre-exposure (by pre-paid order)
• Varicella
• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) - Gardasil
• Zoster (shingles)

How much do adult shots cost?
Fees vary according to the vaccine requested. Please call our Billing Department for more information on fees.

TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT OR GET MORE INFORMATION ON ADULT IMMUNIZATIONS, CALL: 296-2130.

LINKS:

• www.immunizenc.com