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Vaccines & Children
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Immunizations for Children
Parents are concerned about the health and safety of their children and take many steps to protect them. Today, in the U.S., we have low rates of vaccine-preventable childhood diseases, but that does not mean these diseases have disappeared. In our mobile society, over a million people each day travel to and from other countries where many vaccine-preventable diseases are relatively common. Without vaccines, epidemics of preventable diseases could return, resulting in increased and unnecessary illness, disability, and death among children.
Doctors and other public health experts have worked hard to come up with a vaccination schedule that offers the most complete and safest protection possible. It is not wise to skip or delay vaccines, as this will leave your child vulnerable to disease. Parents should discuss any concerns with your child's doctor.
TRICARE covers all age-appropriate vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices. Recommended vaccines are available at military treatment facilities as well as TRICARE network and non-network providers.
CDC's Recommended Immunization Schedule  Immunizations and Vaccines 
Immunization Records
In most states, it is the responsibility of the parents, not your family doctor, to provide vaccination records to your child’s school. In many states, children are not allowed to enter school or childcare unless they can prove that they meet all immunization requirements.
A vaccination health record also helps you and your healthcare provider keep your child's vaccinations on schedule. If you move or change providers, having an accurate record might prevent your child from repeating vaccinations he or she has already had. A shot record should be started when your child receives his/her first vaccination and needs to be updated with each vaccination. Ask your doctor for an immunization record you can keep up to date.
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