The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Immunization Program has available a variety of information for parents and caregivers. The Parents’ Guide to Childhood Immunization is a free 94-page booklet introducing parents and caregivers to 12 childhood diseases and the vaccines that can protect children from them. The booklet, available in both English and Spanish, is available by order or it can be downloaded from the CDC website.

The Immunization Program’s website has information on a variety of immunization issues including an extensive safety section, and an instant, personalized immunization schedule for children five years old and younger,

The CDC’s Vaccines for Children (VFC) program helps families by providing free vaccines to doctors who serve eligible children. CDC contracts with vaccine manufacturers to buy vaccines at reduced rates. To qualify children must be Medicaid eligible and under age 18 and have no health insurance or immunization coverage by their health insurance. The immunizations are given at doctors’ offices or health clinics. Contact your local health department for more information.

The National Network for Immunization Information’s website includes immunization schedules and fact sheets on specific vaccines and illnesses. The facts can be downloaded from the website.

The Immunization Action Coalition’s website has dozens of ready-to-download brochures and fact sheets including Immunizations for Babies, Hepatitis B Shots are Recommended for All New Babies, After the Shots--What to Do if Your Child has Discomfort, What if You Don’t Immunize Your Child?, Questions about Baby Shots, and Does MMR Vaccine Cause Autism? The coalition’s materials are available in a variety of languages.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) website provides information, the latest immunization schedule, facts sheets, pamphlets and immunization record forms. The AAP Child Health Record offers parents a clear, concise method for tracking and recording their child’s pertinent health information from infancy through adulthood. The record includes easy-to-follow forms and records for birth data, physical examinations, landmarks, immunizations, illnesses, and dental visit.

American Academy of Pediatrics, 141 Northwest Point Blvd., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-1098; 847-434-4000; www.cispimmunize.org

The CDC Immunization Program, 800-232-2522; www.cdc.gov/nip

Immunization Action Coalition, 1573 Selby Ave., Ste. 234, St. Paul, MN 55104; 651-647-9009; www.immunize.org