ASK. LEARN. PROTECT.
At Your Child’s Next Well Visit
When vaccine guidance feels unclear, your child’s protection starts with a conversation.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents are hearing mixed messages about childhood vaccines — what’s recommended, what’s routine and what their child may need.
What hasn’t changed is this: Vaccines remain available, and trusted medical experts continue to recommend protecting children based on age and risk using the long-standing childhood immunization schedule.
Today, however, parents may need to take a more active role — asking questions and confirming their child stays on track.
Trusted Medical Guidance
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) continue to recommend a full, age-based immunization schedule. See the schedules below.
Your child’s doctor remains your best source for guidance on what your child needs and when.
Vaccines to Ask About at Your Child’s Visit
The vaccines listed below have been part of recent mixed guidance, so be sure to ask your healthcare provider about these.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Rotavirus
Influenza (Flu)
Meningococcal
COVID-19
RSV
Your child’s doctor can help you understand what your child needs and when.
Why This Matters
Many vaccines are recommended early in life because babies and young children are most vulnerable to serious illness.
When vaccines are delayed or missed:
Children may be unprotected during critical periods
Families may need extra visits instead of routine care
Gaps in care can grow, especially for busy families
Proactive conversations with trusted providers help keep protection on track.
What Parents Should Do
At your child’s next well visit, take three simple steps:
1
ASK
Talk with your child’s doctor:
- Based on my child’s age, what vaccines do you recommend today?
- Is my child up to date, or do we need catch-up doses?
- Are there any vaccines we should discuss that weren’t covered today?
2
LEARN
- Bring your child’s immunization record to every visit and don’t assume a vaccine isn’t needed because it wasn’t mentioned — ask
- Make sure your conversations are grounded in trusted medical expertise, not headlines or social media noise.
3
PROTECT
- Work with your child’s doctor to keep your child protected against preventable diseases.
Download and print TIP’s Ask. Learn. Protect. card and bring it to your next visit.