Immunization Basics

Protect yourself and your family from serious diseases - get immunized.

• Who Needs Immunizations and When?
  Vaccination schedules for babies, children, preteens, adolescents, and adults.

• Can My Child Get Free or Low Cost Shots?
  The Minnesota Vaccines for Children Program (MnVFC) offers free or low cost shots for children 18 years of age and younger.
  Available in English, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

• Keeping Track of Immunizations
  Paper and electronic forms for keeping track of a child's immunization history for child care and school.

• Tips for Finding Immunization Records
  Tips on locating immunization records; includes suggestions on where to look and a description of records in the Minnesota immunization registry, MIIC.

• Reliable Sources of Immunization Information
  This 2-page MDH publication gives health care providers and parents information on where to go for accurate and up-to-date information on vaccines and vaccine safety. It includes Web sites, phone numbers, and publications.

• Sound Advice
  American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) collection of interviews with pediatricians, researchers, advocates and other parents about children's vaccines. Attention: Non-MDH link

• Guidelines for Vaccinating Pregnant Women
  CDC offers a guide to vaccinating pregnant women, includes routine and travel vaccinations. Attention: Non-MDH link
  

• Vaccine Information Statements: What You Need to Know
  The CDC has prepared basic fact sheets on each vaccine. Each fact sheet has also been translated into a number of languages. These fact sheets are found on the Immunization Action Coalition web site. Attention: Non-MDH link

• Minnesota's School Immunization Law Exemption Provision
  A summary of how to obtain a medical and conscientious exemption to the Minnesota school immunization law.

• Vaccinate Your Baby
  Every Child by Two resources to help make informed decisions about vaccination. Attention: Non-MDH link

• Clear Answers & Smart Advice About Your Baby's Shots (PDF: 138KB/6 pages)
  Article written by Dr. Ari Brown for the Immunization Action Coalition to answer parents' common questions regarding vaccinating their children. Attention: Non-MDH link
  

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If you have questions or comments about this page, use our IDEPC Comment Form or call 651-201-5414 (TTY: 651-201-5797) for the MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division.