UPS's focus on health extends not only to our employees, but to their families as well. As part of our commitment, we offer the following tips on protecting children against serious illness through proper immunizations.

Getting the Right Shots

• Know your child's immunization history. Keep track of all the shots your child receives. Know which shots he or she received, who gave them, and when. See the table on the next page for a complete routine immunization schedule.
• Share that history with your child's doctor. Make sure the doctor or pediatrician has a complete list of all your child's shots. If you've changed doctors, make sure the current one has an up-to-date list.
• Maintain two-way communication with your child's doctor. Tell the doctor about any allergies your child has and any medicines he or she can't take. Ask the doctor if any booster shots are needed, or if any new shots should be given, at each routine visit.

Storing the Information Safely: Immunization Registries

Most doctors automatically report your child's shots to the state or local immunization registry. Be sure to ask if your child's doctor had adopted this practice. This is a confidential way of keeping critical health information available in one place for any providers who might need it.

The Bottom Line

Protect children against serious diseases! Many diseases can be avoided if your child has all the shots his or her doctor recommends. Always talk to your child's doctor if you have questions.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2005

Source: Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement, 2005