By making sure that your child gets immunized on time, you can provide the best available defense against many dangerous childhood diseases. Immunizations protect children against:

• hepatitis B
• polio
• measles
• mumps
• rubella (German measles)
• pertussis (whooping cough)
• diphtheria
• tetanus (lockjaw)
• Haemophilus influenzae
• type B
• chickenpox.

All of these immunizations need to be given before children are 2 years old in order for them to be protected during their most vulnerable period. Are your child's immunizations up-to-date?

Remember to keep track of your child's immunizations -- it's the only way you can be sure your child is up-to-date. Also, check with your pediatrician or health clinic at each visit to find out if your child needs any booster shots or if any new vaccines have been recommended since this schedule was prepared.

If you don't have a pediatrician, call your local health department. Public health clinics usually have supplies of vaccine and may give shots free.