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Pediatric Immunizations
Where to Get Immunizations
When babies are born, their immune systems are not fully developed. This makes it harder to fight germs and increases the risk for serious illness. Immunizations are the best way to prevent life-threatening illness, because they provide protection for children before they are exposed to germs and diseases.
Children get immunizations during well-child visits with their pediatrician.
Your child’s doctor will recommend immunizations that your child may need, including but not limited to:
Immunizations, also called shots, are one of the safest ways to protect your health. They reduce the risk of getting a disease, such as the flu, pneumonia or shingles. Immunizations work with your body’s immune system to build protection. Immunizations contain a very small amount of a killed or weakened germ, so it cannot cause the disease.
Immunizations recommended for you are based on your age and health history. Immunizations are especially important for people with chronic conditions, like diabetes, heart disease and HIV infection, and people with weakened immune systems.
Some immunizations cannot completely prevent a disease, but they will make your symptoms less severe. For example, the flu shot prevents serious illness that can cause hospitalization and death. Your doctor can help you decide what immunizations are right for you.
Immunizations
Facts About Immunizations
Immunizations and Health Disparities
There are immunizations for more than 20 life-threatening diseases, including the flu vaccine. All immunizations are thoroughly tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure they are safe and effective. Protection from some immunizations can fade over time, so you may need more doses, also called boosters. Talk to your doctor about which ones are right for you.
Immunizations are available at doctors’ offices and pharmacies. You may also be able to get immunizations at your workplace, community health clinic or other community locations, such as schools and religious centers. If your primary health care provider does not have the immunization you need, you can ask for a referral.
If you have trouble paying for an immunization or other health services, federally funded health centers can help. Locate a health center near you. You can also contact the New Jersey Department of Health to learn more about where to get immunizations in your community.
Adult Immunizations
Resources for You
Learn more about Health Equity
New Jersey Department of Health
The New Jersey Department of Health has resources for people in New Jersey to find and get the care they need.
Website: New Jersey Department of Health
Immunizations currently prevent 3.5 to 5 million deaths every year.
More than 50 million deaths can be prevented through immunizations between 2021 and 2030.
Language Barriers: Limited language proficiency may make it harder to communicate with health care providers, which can impact getting the care you need. Your Horizon health plan has resources for you to get help in your language. Call the number on the back of your member ID card for more information.
Race and Ethnicity: Rates of immunization in the United States are lower for certain racial and ethnic minority groups.
Systemic Racism: Racism is embedded in laws, policies and practices that unfairly treat or oppress minorities. This also contributes to distrust about medical advice and safety.
Adult Immunizations
Pediatric Immunizations
Where to Get Immunizations
Facts About Immunizations
Immunizations and Health Disparities
Resources for You
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (DTaP)
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Polio
Influenza/flu
Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
Chickenpox
A health disparity is a difference in health that is closely linked with social, economic, and/or environmental factors. Inequities with immunizations can have negative effects on a person’s individual health and the health of the people in their community.
Access to Health Care: People with lower socioeconomic status may face barriers in accessing health care services, which can lead to limited access to immunizations.
Health Literacy: Limited health literacy, associated with lower economic status, can affect someone’s ability to understand immunization schedules and what is recommended for them.
Cost: People with low incomes may be under- or uninsured and not be able to afford the cost of immunizations.
Geographic and Communal Factors
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC publishes immunization schedules for both children and adults, plus information about the importance of immunizations.
Website: CDC
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)
The HRSA funds health centers in the United States to help under- and uninsured people get care.
Website: Find a HRSA health center
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization
Race and Ethnicity
Social and Economic Factors
Geography: Where you live affects how easily you can access quality care. For example, people living in rural areas may have limited access to doctors and pharmacies.
Community: Immunizations protect communities by stopping the spread of a contagious disease. If a large group of people in the community does not have immunity from a disease, it can increase the risk for an outbreak.
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