Vaccines
Vaccines

Vaccines are safe and protect your child from 16 preventable diseases that can lead to hospitalization and death, including measles, whooping cough, and chickenpox.
What are vaccines, and how do they work?
Vaccines are made using a small amount of weakened or killed viruses or bacteria or from small parts of them. They are designed to help the body’s immune system to build immunity or protection against the disease. When a person is infected with the virus or bacteria in the future, the immune system “remembers” and can quickly make antibodies to help fight the infection.
Why are vaccines important?
- Vaccines prepare your body to immediately recognize and destroy viruses and bacteria before they are able to make you very sick or cause death.
- In the United States, children are routinely vaccinated against 16 diseases that are especially dangerous for infants and young children.
- Before these vaccines were invented, children routinely died or became permanently disabled by these infections.
- Vaccines are so effective that we don’t see these infections as much as before, but there are still outbreaks. The more people who are vaccinated, the better protected we all are, especially those most at risk.
Are vaccines safe?
Who makes the vaccine schedule, and when does my child need vaccines?
- The vaccine schedule is updated yearly by a panel of experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- At each checkup, your child’s doctor will discuss what vaccines are due and why they are important.
- You can learn what vaccines are due at each visit on the CDC’s website.
Where can I learn more about vaccines?
- The CDC vaccine website provides up-to-date information on vaccine schedules and how vaccines work.
- For city-specific information about COVID-19 in Chicago, including current statistics, updates, and vaccination resources, visit the City of Chicago COVID Dashboard.
How can I get my child or other family members vaccinated?
- Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) walk-In immunization clinics provide vaccinations for children 0 through 18 years of age at no out-of-pocket cost. Currently, we provide standard vaccinations to uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid (Title XIX) insured and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) individuals, as well as flu and COVID-19 vaccines to all Chicago residents eligible for these vaccines, regardless of insurance status.
- You can also use our resource finder to locate other vaccine resources near you.
TIP FOR PARENTS
Talk with your baby’s doctor if you have any questions or concerns about vaccine safety. Keep your baby protected by making sure that you and everyone around them are fully vaccinated.
Additional Reading
Insurance Support
Get answers to some of the most common questions you may have as a new parent.
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Additional Resources
See a list of Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) services and programs.
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Common Health Issues
Typical concerns you may have about your baby’s health—and what to do about them.
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