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Why vaccines matter at routine checkups

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Routine checkups are more than just an opportunity to track your baby’s growth. They’re key moments to build a foundation of lifelong health. By 24 months, your toddler should typically complete the full dosing series of most recommended routine vaccines for babies, including pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), which is a 4-dose series. Every vaccine dose is important for optimal protection.
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Vaccines help prevent serious diseases

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During these visits, your baby receives recommended vaccines that help protect against a variety of vaccine-preventable diseases. Of all children, babies under 2 years old may be at the highest risk for certain diseases because their immune system is still developing. That’s why childhood vaccines are recommended to help protect babies early on.

One of these vaccine-preventable diseases is invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). IPD is the name for a group of illnesses caused by pneumococcal bacteria.

The bacteria can spread through close contact almost anywhere, such as a playground, a toy, or someone coughing nearby. IPD is uncommon but can be serious or even lead to death in severe cases. If babies get exposed—especially those who are not fully vaccinated—it can lead to pneumococcal meningitis (infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord) or pneumococcal bacteremia (bloodstream infection).

The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) helps protect your baby against IPD.

Widespread use of PCVs in the US over the past 25+ years has helped significantly reduce rates of IPD in children.

Learn more about vaccine-preventable diseases, why vaccines are recommended, and answers to common caregiver questions in this at-a-glance guide.

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Vaccines can be seasonal, single‑dose, or multi-dose

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Seasonal vaccines, like the flu shot, are updated and given annually
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Some vaccines help provide protection with just a single dose
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Other vaccines are given in a multi-dose series to optimize your baby’s immune response over time

For example, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) is given as a 4-dose series

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Pediatric vaccination: the basics

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How vaccines work

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Vaccines help your baby’s body create antibodies, which prepare their immune system to protect against infection. It’s important to complete all recommended doses of each vaccine for an optimal immune response.
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Getting multiple vaccines is common

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During checkups, your baby may be scheduled to receive more than one vaccine at the same visit. While it may seem like a lot, studies show that receiving multiple vaccinations does not overload their immune system or cause chronic health problems. Getting more than one recommended vaccine in one visit helps your baby stay on track and build protection against potentially serious vaccine-preventable diseases. If vaccine doses are delayed or skipped, your baby may not be fully protected and may be at risk of getting sick during that time.
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What about side effects?

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It’s normal to worry about side effects for your baby, but it’s important to know that serious reactions to vaccines are very uncommon. For the most part, these are minor (for example, soreness where the shot was given or low-grade fever) and go away within a few days. You can talk to your baby’s doctor about any questions or concerns.
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These vaccines help prepare your baby's immune system to fight off certain infections. If your baby ever misses a dose or you have questions about the schedule, remember that the next routine checkup is a great time to ask your baby's doctor for guidance—because every dose matters.

Talk to your baby’s doctor. Routine checkups are a great time to ask questions.
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Sign up for routine checkup reminders and tips

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The Baby Checkups Count reminder program offers timely, useful information to help you prepare for your baby’s routine checkups, personalized based on your baby’s age. These checkups are important opportunities to track the baby’s health, vaccinations, and milestones.
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