Newborns, babies, and toddlers are constantly being exposed to germs whether it’s from their parents, other adults, brothers and sisters, or other children. Now that traveling is easier than ever, you and your baby can be exposed to diseases from other countries without your knowledge.
After babies are born, they will have some immunity, which was passed from their mother through the placenta before birth. After a short period of time, this natural immunity goes away.
Immunizations for children help protect infants, children, and adults against many infections that used to be much more common.
- Examples include tetanus, diphtheria, mumps, measles, pertussis (whooping cough), meningitis, and polio
- Newer immunizations protect children and adults against other types of meningitis and pneumonia
Many of these infections can cause serious or life-threatening illnesses, and may lead to lifelong disabilities. These illnesses are now rare because of immunizations.
