According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Immunization Program, your child should be protected against 13 vaccine-preventable diseases.

Your child should get the first shots at 2 months of age (or in some cases before leaving the hospital after birth), then at 4 months, 6 months and 12-15 months of age. Remember, each of these visits is important! Your child must complete the series to be fully protected. More immunizations are recommended at 2 years and before school entry. Adolescents also need immunizations at 11-12 years of age, before entering 7th grade.

Keeping students in Broward County Public Schools safe from infectious diseases is very important. Before entering a Broward Public School, students must have the proper immunizations. For further information, call the Health Education Department at 754-321-2270. To attend a Broward County Public School, here is what a student needs: IMMUNIZATION FORMS: All immunizations must be documented on an original Florida Department of Health Form 680 (Florida Certificate of Immunization).

That's not surprising. There are two veterinary organizations in the United States. They disagree on the most important canine issues such as feeding, vaccinations, and dental care. Your vet no doubt belongs to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The health information on my web site comes from vets who belong to the American HOLISTIC Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA).

A newborn child needs to be added to the coverage within 30 days of his/her birth. Send us an email with the newborn’s name, date of birth, and the primary insured’s name. We cannot add a newborn if the primary insured does not have "family" coverage.

By New York State law, children entering school in September need the following immunizations: Diphtheria-Tetanus (3 injections), Polio (3 doses/1 booster), Measles, Rubella, Mumps, Tine Test, and Hepatitis B.

Kittens should receive their first vaccination at 6-8 weeks of age. Vaccinations are repeated at 2-4 week intervals until the kitten is 12-16 weeks old. Distemper (Panleukopenia) – a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through air or contact with infected body secretions and causes vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and can be fatal.

Puppies should receive their first vaccination at 6 to 8 weeks of age. Vaccinations are repeated at 3-4 week intervals until the puppy is 12-16 weeks old. Distemper – a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through air-borne secretions and causes respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological problems. Leptospirosis – a bacterial infection of the kidneys spread through contact with urine, saliva or nasal secretions.