Answers to Top Questions About Kids' Vaccines

Vaccines are crucial for protecting children from serious illnesses, some of which can cause long-term complications or even be life-threatening. But as a parent, it's natural to have questions—especially at a time when shifting headlines and recommendations are creating confusion for families.

Columbia pediatrician Melissa Stockwell, MD, MPH, chief of the Division of Child and Adolescent Health, is used to providing parents with clear and trusted guidance on vaccines. Here, she answers the top questions about safety, schedules, and more, to help you make informed decisions.

Are vaccines safe for my child?

Yes. All vaccines recommended for children undergo rigorous testing in clinical trials and are continuously monitored for safety. Side effects are generally mild—such as soreness at the injection site or a low-grade fever—and serious reactions are extremely rare. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect your child's health.

What vaccines does my child need and when?

It depends on their age. Your child's pediatrician will follow a schedule designed to give vaccines at the safest and most effective times. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Birth to 2 years: Hepatitis B, DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), polio, Hib, pneumococcal, rotavirus, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), varicella (chickenpox), and hepatitis A. They may also need an immunization against (RSV) respiratory syncytial virus if it was not received during pregnancy.
• 4 to 6 years: Boosters for DTaP, polio, MMR, and varicella.
• 11 to 12 years: Tdap (a vaccine to protect older children from diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), HPV (human papillomavirus), and meningococcal vaccines.
• Annual: The flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine, as recommended by age.

Are all these vaccines really necessary?

Yes. Each vaccine on the recommended schedule protects against a specific disease that can cause serious illness, disability, or death in children. These are essential tools to keep your child safe. Skipping even one can leave your child vulnerable and contribute to the spread of preventable diseases.

Can I space out the vaccines or follow an alternate schedule?

It's not recommended. The schedule is carefully designed to provide protection when your child is most vulnerable. Delaying or spacing out vaccines doesn't make them safer; it increases the disease risk. Pediatricians follow the schedule because it's based on years of research and data.

What about COVID-19 vaccines? Are they still available, and is my child eligible?

Yes. Right now, the vaccine is still available for children. Although the federal government no longer broadly recommends the vaccine for healthy children, the American Academy of Pediatrics, New York State Department of Health, and others continue to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for children who:

• Are 6 to 23 months old
• Are 2 to 18 years old and at high risk of severe COVID-19
• Have never been vaccinated
• Live in a long-term care facility or other communal setting
• Have a household contact at high risk of severe COVID-19

The AAP also recommends the vaccine for any child 2 through 18 years of age who is not included in these high-risk groups but whose caregivers desire protection against COVID-19.

While COVID-19 tends to cause milder illness in most children compared to adults, it can still lead to serious complications, including hospitalization, long COVID, or, in rare cases, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of these complications.

What side effects should I expect after my child gets vaccinated?

Most side effects are mild and short-lived. They may include soreness or swelling at the injection site, fussiness and fatigue, or low-grade fever. These are normal signs that the body is building protection. Serious side effects are extremely rare, but your pediatrician will tell you what to watch for and what's normal.

Is it safe for my baby to get multiple vaccines at once?

Yes. Babies' immune systems are incredibly strong and can handle multiple vaccines simultaneously. Giving several vaccines during one visit is safe, effective, and helps avoid unnecessary appointments and delays in protection. The combination has been thoroughly tested for safety.

What if my child has an allergic reaction or a medical condition?

True vaccine allergies are extremely rare. If your child has a known allergy to a vaccine ingredient or a medical condition that affects their immune system, your pediatrician will discuss alternatives or tailor the schedule accordingly. Your pediatrician will assess any risks and provide individualized care.

Can vaccines cause autism or developmental issues?

No. This myth has been thoroughly debunked by extensive research. The original study that suggested a link between vaccines and autism was retracted and discredited due to serious flaws and ethical issues. Numerous large-scale studies have since confirmed there is no link between vaccines and autism.

What if my child has a cold or is sick—can they still get vaccinated?

Usually, yes. Most mild illnesses, like the common cold or low-grade fever, don't interfere with a child's ability to receive vaccines. In fact, it's usually better not to delay. However, if your child has a high fever or a more serious illness, your doctor might recommend waiting until they recover.

Why are vaccines important if diseases like measles are rare now?

Because they only stay rare if we keep vaccinating. Diseases like measles, polio, and whooping cough have become less common because vaccines work. But when vaccination rates drop, outbreaks can happen—as we've seen in recent years. Unfortunately, outbreaks for diseases like measles are becoming more common. Vaccinating your child protects them and helps protect others in the community, especially those who are too young or medically unable to get vaccinated.

Vaccines are a powerful tool to keep your child healthy—now and in the future. If you still have questions, talk to your pediatrician—they're your best resource for keeping your child safe, healthy, and protected at every stage. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Healthy Children website is another good resource.

Melissa Stockwell, MD, MPH, is chief of the Division of Child and Adolescent Health and Felice K. Shea Professor of Pediatrics (Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons) and Professor of Population and Family Health (Mailman School of Public Health). She is also Director of the Child and Adolescent Health Clinical Service at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital.