The CDC National Immunization Information Hotline has answers to frequently asked questions about immunizations and vaccine preventable diseases.

Video-enhanced FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS and answers are available on the TTY service page.

Why should I get shots for my child? Read Answer
Why is it so important to protect against these diseases when kids never get them? Read Answer
What does it mean when the doctor tells me it's a "live vaccine"? Read Answer
My doctor told me that the flu shot is "inactivated." What does that mean? Read Answer
How do vaccines provide protection from disease? Read Answer
Where can I get free shots? Read Answer
What is the Recommended Childhood Immunizaton Schedule? Read Answer
How many shots does my child need and when? Read Answer
What if my children don't get their shots on time? Will they need to start over? Read Answer
Is it possible to give a child too many shots at one time? Read Answer
Why do children need to get so many shots when they are so young? Read Answer
My baby is healthy, and I want to keep it that way. Are vaccines really safe? Read Answer
My friend's daughter got a really bad cold just a few days after getting a shot. That was probably caused by the shot, right? Read Answer
If vaccines are really safe, why do I read so many scary things about shots on the Internet and in the news? Read Answer
Why is it so important to protect against these diseases when kids never get them? Read Answer
I know my baby needs shots for protection, but how should I handle the side effects? How would I know when I need to talk with a doctor? Read Answer
Is there a basic brochure on the shots that I can read after we come back from the doctor's office? Read Answer
It seems like new shots are added all the time. How do decisions get made about what is approved? Read Answer
What vaccines should adults receive? Read Answer
Why should adolescents be vaccinated against Hepatitis B even if they are not sexually active? Read Answer
What vaccines do adolescents need? Read Answer
Do I need to start a vaccine series over again if I did not complete it? Read Answer
I just found out I'm pregnant, and I got MMR last week. What do I do? Read Answer
What vaccines should college students have before going to school? Read Answer
What diseases should seniors be vaccinated against? Read Answer
How often should I receive the pneumococcal vaccine? Read Answer
Why does my child need to be re-immunized to enter a school? Read Answer
Is it true that my child might not be let back in school if we have missed some shots? Read Answer
I cannot find my child's immunization record? Read Answer
Why is it important to keep an immunization record? Read Answer
Why does the CDC recommend additional shots than my state? Read Answer
Where can I get more information? Read Answer

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