Immunizations (also called vaccinations or shots) protect your child against serious diseases. Remember, if your child gets one of these dangerous childhood diseases, the risks of the disease are far greater than the risk of a serious vaccine reaction.
Most vaccines cause only minor side effects, such as soreness where the shot was given or a slight fever. These side effects do not last long and are treatable. Serious reactions are very rare. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor or nurse.
North Dakota law states that a child may not be admitted to any public, private, or parochial school, day care center, child care facility, head start program, or nursery school operating in this state, or be supervised through home-based instruction, unless the child’s parent or guardian shows proof that the child has received the required immunizations.
You need a personal record of your child’s immunizations. This record should be brought with you to all medical appointments. Whenever your child receives vaccinations, make sure your clinic updates your child’s shot record.
For the North Dakota Department of Health Childhood and Adolescent Immunization schedule, click here. To set up an appointment, contact a First District Health Unit office near you.
