Welcome to the VaxtextSM Program

VaxtextSM is a mobile text program for busy parents and caregivers that helps keep your child on track with the vaccine schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The program is endorsed by Every Child by Two, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving awareness of the importance of timely immunizations. VaxtextSM messages help parents keep their kids 0-24 months of age on the recommended vaccination schedule.

Most frequently asked questions about the VaxtextSM Program:

Will the program texts be relevant to my child?

The VaxtextSM Program will send you messages that are tailored to the age of your child, 0-24 months of age. The text messages include simple, timely reminders about which vaccines for your child are due next.

Is this just for Pfizer vaccines?

No. This vaccine reminder program includes all vaccines recommended for children 0-24 months by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The program does not promote any one vaccine.

How will my privacy be protected?

You may be asked to provide certain information to participate in this program (phone number, state, child’s birth date). We do not collect or share personal information except as disclosed in the program terms and conditions. Evaluation results will be aggregated and only shared with the company running the VaxtextSM program.

Will there be a cost to participate?

There are no registration costs, just message and data rates associated with your cellular provider's plan. Participating U.S. wireless carriers include: Alltel, AT&T Mobility, Cellular One, Nextel, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, and Virgin Mobile.

VaxtextSM messages help you keep your child on track for protection against a wide range of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Learn more about the VaxtextSM Program

Get additional resources, mobile apps, and information on recommended vaccinations.

VaxtextSM for Vaccination

The importance of immunization

There is a lot of information — and misinformation — about vaccines. In reality, vaccines rank among the greatest public health achievements of all time. Before vaccines were available, diseases such as polio, smallpox, and diphtheria caused serious illness and even death in many children in the United States. Thanks to the widespread use of vaccines, these diseases have been nearly eradicated and in the case of smallpox, completely eradicated. While incidences of several preventable diseases are at all-time lows, many unvaccinated children remain at risk. The risk of a disease outbreak is higher in communities with low vaccination rates. To learn more about the potential benefits and potential side effects of each vaccine your child may receive, you should receive a Vaccine Information Statement (or VIS) from your health care provider. A VIS is written by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and helps to ensure that you receive accurate information about each vaccine your child may receive.

VaxtextSM provides helpful reminders

Children in the United States get a series of vaccines to protect them from vaccine-preventable diseases. Children less than 2 years of age may receive vaccines for as many as 15 diseases. Most vaccines require more than one dose. During the early childhood years, parents are at their busiest. VaxtextSM messages help remind you of your child's vaccinations so you can be sure your child is fully protected.

What should you expect from VaxtextSM?

The VaxtextSM Program sends you messages that are personalized based on your child's age, from 0-24 months. The text messages will include simple timely reminders about which vaccines are due next.

These vaccine reminders include all vaccines recommended for children 0-24 months by the CDC. The program does not promote any one vaccine.

There are no registration costs. However, message and data rates may apply.

Learn about the CDC Vaccination Schedule

Get additional resources, mobile apps, and information on recommended vaccinations.

Which Vaccines Should My Child Get?

The recommended vaccine schedule is issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Your child's growth and development are monitored by your doctor in a series of well-baby visits. Vaccination is an important part of well-baby visits. VaxtextSM messages let you know what vaccinations you may expect at each visit.

Vaccination Schedule

Download the vaccination schedule from the CDC

Roll over disease to learn why these vaccines are important for your child

Learn more about these vaccine-preventable diseases.


Learn how VaxtextSM can help expectant mothers

Get additional resources, mobile apps, and information on recommended vaccinations.

The VaxtextSM Program for Expectant Mothers

As you get ready for the exciting addition of a new baby in your life, you can never be too prepared. The VaxtextSM Program is here to help. Even before your new baby is born, you can register to receive timely reminders to help you get ready for the birth of your child. You'll receive 3 text messages immediately after registration, and no more than 2 messages until your baby is born. Afterwards, you’ll automatically receive reminders about baby well-visits and recommended childhood vaccinations.

Get additional facts about vaccines

Get additional resources, mobile apps, and information on recommended vaccinations.

Facts About Vaccines

Keeping Children Protected

Because vaccines are a crucial tool to help prevent infectious diseases among children, the U.S. government provides careful oversight to the evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of each vaccine.

Children who do not receive vaccines are at greater risk of contracting vaccine-preventable diseases than children vaccinated as recommended by the CDC. The vaccines included in the CDC's immunization schedule help protect children against serious infectious diseases, and by adhering to this schedule, you're helping to protect them against vaccine-preventable diseases.




Vaccination Fact vs. Fiction

In your child’s life there will be a time for facts and a time for fiction. Though fiction may be perfect for a bedtime story, as a parent, you need the facts when it comes to making decisions about vaccination.

  • Fiction: Vaccinations don’t work.
    Fact: Vaccines are an effective means of preventing certain infectious diseases.
    Examples of successful vaccination programs include smallpox, polio, measles, rubella (German measles), pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, and diphtheria vaccines.
  • Fiction: Vaccines prevent diseases that no longer exist.
    Fact: If a particular disease exists anywhere in the world, your child could be at risk.
    Smallpox is the only disease that has been wiped out worldwide. In the case of all other vaccine-preventable diseases, the failure to get vaccinated increases the risk for the diseases for the individual.
  • Fiction: Vaccine side effects are worse than the diseases they prevent.
    Fact: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers vaccination safer than accepting the risk for diseases these vaccines prevent.
    Most side effects are minor and involve temporary soreness, swelling, and redness at the injection site; however, serious side effects may occur.

    Any questions and other concerns you might have should be discussed with your child’s health care professional before vaccine is prescribed.
  • Fiction: The vaccine could give my child the very disease it’s supposed to prevent.
    Fact: It’s unusual for a vaccine to cause the disease it’s designed to prevent. Any questions and other concerns you might have should be discussed with your child’s health care professional before the vaccine is prescribed.

    Get the Facts: Vaccines can help protect children from many serious diseases, including polio, whooping cough, meningitis, blood infection, and measles. Without vaccines, many preventable diseases would still be widespread today, resulting in illness, disability, and even death. Fortunately, the United States has recommendations for routine immunization.

Learn how you can prepare for visits to the doctor

Get additional resources, mobile apps, and information on recommended vaccinations.

Preparing for Doctor Visits

Keeping Children Protected

During your child's first year of life, you'll see their pediatrician frequently. Your child's visits will likely include a medical history (including family history), physical exam (which may include lab tests), and immunizations. The pediatrician may also ask about your child's eating and sleeping habits, toilet training, social behavior, and any attention or learning issues.

A first-time visit might seem overwhelming, but always remember the pediatrician is there to help prepare you for the first few years of your child's life. In order to make the most of this time with your pediatrician, prepare for the appointment in advance and think about questions you may want to ask.




Learn the tips for successful vaccination

Get additional resources, mobile apps, and information on recommended vaccinations.

View the Demo

Looky Here is an animated iPhone app that may help engage your child during vaccinations. Use it during doctor visits and anywhere else your child might need to be occupied.

Tips for Successful Vaccination

Have a Plan of Action: What to Do Before, During, and After Vaccination

We understand that immunizations might seem intimidating for parents and children alike. If you're feeling anxious about how your child will react to a vaccination, remember that vaccines are an important way to help protect them from infectious diseases. Also, there are things you can do before, during, and after the immunization to ease the experience.

Vaccination Tips

Download or print the checklist below to help prepare for your child's next vaccination.

Learn how you may be able to get free vaccines

Get additional resources, mobile apps, and information on recommended vaccinations.

The Vaccines for Children Program

Vaccines for Children is a program sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It offers free vaccination for children of families that do not have insurance or are underinsured. If you think your child might qualify for free vaccines, the Vaccines for Children Web site can help you find a participating clinic near you. The Vaccines for Children Web site also has helpful information about vaccine safety and the serious diseases they help prevent.

Visit Vaccines for Children

Find additional resources about vaccines

Get additional resources, mobile apps, and information on recommended vaccinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

General information and handy tips about vaccines to help make it easier for you and your child.

Resources for Parents

Looky Here iPhone App

Looky Here is a simple, colorful, animated iPhone app that may help grab the attention of and engage your child. Use it during doctor visits, vaccinations—and anywhere else your child might need to be occupied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your questions about the VaxtextSM Program.

Vaccination Fact vs. Fiction

Helps explain the basic facts about vaccines and some of the myths you might have heard.

Before Your Child Starts Day Care

Many states require vaccination for children who go to licensed day care centers. Check with the day care center and your doctor to find out which vaccinations are required before your child can attend day care.

Child Care Entry Requirements (CCERs)

Helpful Web Sites

American Academy of Family Physicians Emory Vaccine Center
American Academy of Pediatrics Every Child By Two (ECBT)
American Medical Association ECBT's Vaccinate Your Baby Campaign
Autism Science Foundation Families Fighting Flu
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The History of Vaccines
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (en Español) Immunization Action Coalition
Childhood Influenza Immunization Coalition Johns Hopkins Institute of Vaccine Safety
National Network for Immunization Information

Program Terms and Conditions

Return to resources page

View the CDC vaccination schedule