ARE YOUR CHILD'S HEALTH RECORDS UP TO DATE?

Records include: current physical & dental and lab work. 

If so your child’s name will be entered in a drawing for a gift card!

CONTACT YOUR FAMILY ADVOCATE FOR DETAILS!!

Keeping Track of Your Children’s Shots: Questions & Answers for Parents

What are Immunization Information Systems?

Also known as Immunization Registries, Immunization Information Systems (IIS) are computer systems that have information on the shots that were given to your child. Some IIS can remind you or your doctor of the next shot due to keep your child up-to-date with their immunizations.

What are the benefits of having my child’s shot record saved in an IIS?

? Helps to make sure that your child doesn't miss any shots or get too many shots

? Reminds you by mail or telephone when your child need shots

? Allows you to get a copy of your child's shot record from the doctor quickly

? Makes sure your child has all of the shots needed to start child care or school

What information is in an IIS?

Information in an IIS is different in every state, but most contain at least the following information:

? patient name (first, middle, and last)

? patient birth date ? patient gender (male or female)

? patient birth state/country

? mother's name ? the types of shots given

? the dates the shots were given

Who do I contact to see if my child’s shot record is in an IIS or if I want a copy of my child's shot record?

You must contact your doctor’s office, or your local or state health department.

Does it cost any money to have my child’s shot record in my state’s IIS?

No, there is no cost to a parent/patient to participate in an IIS.

How can I find out if my child's doctor is participating in the IIS?

Just ask your doctor if they use the state or local IIS. You can also contact the IIS in your area to find out if your doctor participates.

Personal Immunization Schedule Tool - www.vaccinateyourbaby.org/schedule/tool.cfm

Another way to help you keep track of all the shots your child needs is the personal immunization schedule tool created by Every Child By Two. This tool can be downloaded to a computer or smart phone. It will create a personal immunization schedule for children up to 6 years old and will send you email reminders when it’s time to schedule your child’s next immunization appointment!

IMMUNIZATION AND PREGNANCY

Vaccines help keep a pregnant woman and her growing family health. 

Before Pregnancy:

Before becoming pregnant, a woman should be up to date on routine adult vaccines. This will help her and her child. Live vaccines should be given a month or more before pregnancy. Inactivated vaccines can be given before or during pregnancy, if needed.

During Pregnancy:

Flu: It is safe, and very important for a pregnant woman to receive the inactivated flu vaccine. A pregnant woman who gets the flu is at risk for serious complications and hospitalization. 

Travel: Many vaccine preventable diseases rarely seen in the US are still common in other parts of the world. A pregnant woman planning international travel should talk to her health professional about vaccines.

Childhood vaccines: Pregnancy is a god time to learn about childhood vaccines. Parents to be can learn more about childhood vaccines from the CDC.

After Pregnancy

It is safe for a woman to receive vaccines right after giving birth, even while breastfeeding. A woman who has not received a new vaccine for the prevention of tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) should be vaccinated right after delivery. Vaccinating a new mother against whooping cough can reduces the risk of the infant too. Also if a woman who is not immune to measles, mumps and rubella and or chicken pox should be vaccinated before leaving the hospital. If inactivated influenza vaccine was not given during pregnancy, a woman should receive it now because it will protect her infant. 

 Even if you are healthy, if you live with or care for someone that has an increased risk for serious complications from the flu, you should get vaccinated. High risk groups include infants and pregnant women.

Babies younger than 6 months cannot be vaccinated against the flu, but they are at high risk for severe complications from the flu. They rely on you to protect them.

Get Vaccinated!