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Why we vaccinate kids

Vaccination is one of the greatest advancements in public health, saving hundreds of millions of lives in the past century. Highly effective and safe vaccines are available to prevent measles and other common childhood diseases starting at infancy, and a COVID vaccine is available now for kids 5 and older.

A Coverage series features the voices of parents, clinicians, and loved ones of those who suffered from illnesses that vaccines have since made rare, including measles, smallpox, polio and meningitis B. Their words offer a powerful reminder of the vital importance of vaccination.

Questions about the new COVID boosters for kids?

An infectious disease experts explains how they can help provide protection this winter 

Why I vaccinate my child

Five parents share their reasons for making sure their kids are protected against measles and other infectious diseases

Life before vaccines: Polio

From playing football, to iron lung: One man's story

Life before vaccines: Measles

A sister's story: A rash, a fever, encephalitis and lifelong damage in the era before vaccination

Life before vaccines: Meningitis B

'There is not one hour that goes by that I don't think about her': A mother's story

Life before vaccines: Diphtheria

A public health historian describes the horrific effects of 'throat distemper'

Life before vaccines: Smallpox

A medical breakthrough ended a disease that had killed 300 million worldwide


Facts about vaccination

How vaccines work

An easy-to-follow guide to how inactivated viruses can spur your body’s natural immune system and safely fight disease

How does an mRNA vaccine work?

A clinician explain how the new mRNA vaccines safely and effectively protect you from COVID-19

Why do babies need so many vaccines?

Pediatricians explain the vaccine schedule, and why it saves lives

How the COVID-19 vaccine protects kids 5-11

Safe, free shot proves highly effective at preventing severe illness – and can help kids get back to normal

How the COVID-19 vaccine protects kids 12 and up 

A pediatrician answers common questions 

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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® Registered Marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

® ´, TM, SM Registered, Service, and Trade Marks are the property of their respective owners. © 2019 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Inc..,

and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts HMO Blue, Inc.

 

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