Immunizations protect young children from dangerous diseases that can have lasting effects on a child’s growth and development. Babies and young children have an especially high risk of complications from many diseases that immunizations can prevent.

Some preventable diseases are common in the U.S., like whooping cough and flu. Others are rare here, but not in other countries, like diphtheria. When children and families travel to other countries or meet someone who has traveled outside the U.S., they risk getting some of these diseases. Immunization helps protect children and families against preventable illness.

HSPPS 45 CFR §1302.42(b)(1) requires programs to determine whether or not the child is up-to-date on immunization recommendations issued by the CDC. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sets an immunization schedule that all programs must follow. Following the schedule helps protect children early in life before they are exposed. States, tribes, territories, and certain jurisdictions may have more immunization requirements.

Tips and Strategies for Supporting Immunizations

• Be aware of your state’s requirements for immunization waivers or exemption policies.
• Create a policy for health immunizations and tell families what it is.
• Encourage families to get all recommended doses. Help them navigate barriers to staying on track with recommendations. The CDC’s Vaccine Website for Parents may have good resources to share with families.
• Remind families about immunizations that are needed and are coming up.
• Prepare families on how to take care of their child after they get a vaccine.
• Help families who fall behind on their immunization schedule. Refer to CDC’s Catch-up Immunization Schedule.
• Set up a system and work with families to keep a record of their child’s immunizations.
• Track the immunizations of all enrolled children and identify when children need their next immunizations or boosters.

Last Updated: September 22, 2023