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Childhood vaccinations

A safe and effective choice to protect your child from common disease

As a parent or caregiver, a child’s health can be one of your biggest concerns. Keeping your child healthy and thriving, includes knowing when he or she needs regular vaccinations.

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Why you need childhood vaccinations

It can be difficult for a child to get three or four shots during a well-child exam. Yet all those shots (and tears) add up to being protected against 14 potentially serious and spreadable diseases.

Vaccinations are a safe and effective way to keep your child from:

  • getting some common childhood illnesses
  • spreading some common childhood illnesses to others

When your child receives a vaccine, usually by shot, it helps him or her build antibodies that destroy vaccine germs. Vaccines also protect against disease.

Children need regular vaccinations from 2 months through their teen years.

What to expect from childhood vaccinations

Your child’s provider will recommend vaccinations based on his or her age. This will typically be done during well-child exams. Some visits will include multiple shots and some diseases need several vaccine doses. Your child’s provider will talk with you about the risks and side effects prior to the shot so you can make an informed decision.

All Allina Health providers follow the same immunization schedule, based on recommendations of the Advisor Committee on Immunizations Practices, The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians. It is endorsed by the Immunization Practices Task Force of the Minnesota Department of Health.

More to know about childhood vaccinations

Vaccines work with your child’s immune system by imitating an infection. The vaccines are made from the weakened or dead germs that cause disease, but will not cause your child to get the disease. Most childhood vaccines produce immunity about 90 to 100 percent of the time.

Vaccines are safe. The United States’ long-standing vaccine safety system uses ongoing monitoring by the Food and Drug Administration to ensure that vaccines are as safe as possible.

Related links

Source: Allina Health Patient Education, Centers for Disease Control
Reviewed by: Kurt Elting-Ballard, MD

First published: 3/7/2017
Last reviewed: 8/19/2021

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Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time and have your mobile phone available for the provider to contact you when they are ready to see you.

We've changed how we provide some services with your care and safety in mind. Expanded virtual care services are available to schedule online. You can also call your clinic for help finding the best option.

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Only these primary care appointments can be scheduled online. For all other appointments or with any questions, call 1-888-425-5462.

Health insurance coverage for physicals varies depending on your plan. Contact your insurance provider to verify coverage, especially if you've scheduled less than a year from your last physical exam.
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What’s the reason for your visit?

Only these primary care appointments can be scheduled online. For all other appointments or with any questions, call 1-888-425-5462.

Health insurance coverage for physicals varies depending on your plan. Contact your insurance provider to verify coverage, especially if you've scheduled less than a year from your last physical exam.
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