Healthy Babies Campaign

The Side Effects of Vaccines – How High is the Risk?   Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Most U.S. parents are protecting their children from vaccine-preventable disease by making sure they are getting recommended vaccines, and Louisiana parents are no different. Getting vaccines at the recommended ages protects children at the earliest age possible from serious vaccine-preventable diseases.

Vaccines are recommended at birth, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12-15 months, 18-23 months, 4 years, 11-12 years, and 16 years of age. All young children have a high risk of getting sick from infections because their bodies do not yet have protection from vaccines or memory from fighting previous infections. Vaccines should not be delayed for school entry.

What vaccinations are recommended for my baby?

• Diptheria-tetanus-acellular Pertussis Vaccine “DTaP” (4 or more doses)
• Inactivated poliovirus vaccine “IPV” (3 or more doses)
• Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine “MMR” (1 or more doses)
• Haemophilus influenza type B vaccine “Hib” (3 or 4 doses, depending on product type received)
• Hepatitis B vaccine “HepB” (3 or more doses)
• Varicella Vaccine “VAR” (1 or more doses)
• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine “PCV” (4 or more doses)
• Rotavirus “RV”
• Influenza “Flu”
• Hepatitis A “HepA”

Children with an altered immune system, due to disease or medications, should see their pediatrician before getting live virus vaccines (such as MMR and VAR). For more detailed information on each vaccine, refer to the manufacturers’ product insert or visit the national immunization program website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines or call the national immunization hotline at 800-232-2522.

Click here for the 2021-2022 recommended immunization schedule.

Do I have to pay for the vaccinations?

The Vaccine for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines, at no cost, to children 18 years of age or younger that are uninsured, underinsured, have Medicaid, or are an American Indian or Alaska Native. Although there is no cost for VFC vaccines, the doctor may charge you for the cost of an office visit. Any administrative fee must be waived if you are unable to pay it. Visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/index.html for more information on the VFC program.

Where do I get vaccines?

If you qualify for free vaccines, they are available at Parish Health Units and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC). The day of the week that immunizations are available varies by each clinic. Please contact the clinic nearest you for the most updated information.  Appointments are recommended. Click the map below to find a location nearest you or click here for a list.

You can also click here to view frequently asked questions or here to get a downloadable version.