Childhood Immunizations

Ten diseases still pose a serious health risk to your child:

Diphtheria	Pertussis (whooping cough)	Tetanus (lockjaw)
Polio	Rubella (German measles)	Measles
Hepatitis B	Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)	Varicella (chickenpox)
Mumps

Shots provide life-saving protection for your child.
Immunizing your child is one of the most loving things you can do. It prevents tragic diseases. And it protects our community since most of these diseases can spread quickly. These diseases do still exist and can be deadly.

What parents can do to protect their children against these diseases:

• Start shots at birth
• Make sure your child stays on schedule – birth, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12-15 months
• Each time you visit or call your clinic, ask when the next shots are due and make an appointment
• Always carry your child's shot card in your wallet in case of an emergency. Any time a shot is given, make sure the doctor or nurse writes it in your child's shot card
• Ask about shots even when your child is seen for minor illnesses such as an ear infection
• Carefully read over the information given at the clinic about the shots your child will receive. Let the clinic staff know if you have any questions
• If you are unable to pay for your child's shots, let your health care provider know. There are many options available

What Medica is doing to increase childhood immunizations:

• Medica sends "5 B4 2" (5 sets of shots before the age of 2) immunization reminder postcards to parents/guardians of children ages 2, 4, 6, 12 and 18 months. This postcard encourages parents to stay up-to-date with childhood immunizations
• Medica is actively involved with the Immunization Task Force. This partnership of Twin Cities-based health plans and Minnesota state and county health agencies is responsible for the distribution of informational immunization packets to all new mothers in Minnesota
• Medica is promoting awareness of the importance of childhood immunizations to all members through our regular publications, the annual enrollment packet, and a new enrollment reminder postcard

For more information about other resources available through Medica, click on one of the following:

Guide to Preventive Services & Immunization Schedule for Infants, Children and Adolescents

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Fact Sheet

Medica CallLink

Note to Employers and Brokers:
For more information on health improvement activities and programs for the workplace, e-mail us at: hlthimp@medica.com