It’s important for your child to get vaccines to stay heathy

Vaccines keep your baby healthy and prevent diseases. It’s important that your child gets all their vaccines. If your child misses a vaccine, you don’t have to start over. Call your Primary Care Provider* (PCP) right away to schedule a “catch-up” visit or to ask questions.

*Your Primary Care Provider (PCP) is the doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner in charge of your health care.

Vaccines During a Well-child Visit:

A well-child visit is when a PCP checks your baby’s growth and development. This is also a visit when your child will get vaccines to keep them healthy.

A well-child visit is a good time to ask your PCP any questions about your child’s health and to ask more about vaccines. Make sure to write down any questions you may have before you see the PCP.

Here are good questions to ask your PCP during your next well-child visit:

  • Is my child up to date with all their vaccines?
  • How can I help my child eat healthy food?
  • How can I make sure my child is getting enough physical activity?
  • Ask your PCP about the number of doses for each vaccine.

Common Vaccines for Children:

These vaccines help to lower your child’s risk for serious diseases:

  • Hepatitis B (HepB) prevents liver disease and cancer.
  • Rotavirus (RV) prevents severe diarrhea (loose, watery stool).
  • Diphtheria (DTaP) prevents breathing problems, muscle spasms, and whooping cough.
  • Hemophilic Influenza type B (Hib) prevents meningitis (brain infection), pneumonia (lung infection), and blood infection.
  • Pneumococcal (PCV) prevents pneumonia (lung infection), and meningitis (brain infection).
  • Polio (IPV) prevents muscle paralysis and disabilities.
  • COVID-19 prevents Coronavirus disease.
  • Influenza (flu) yearly vaccine protects against serious illnesses caused by the flu (a respiratory virus).
  • Measles (MMR) prevents pneumonia (lung infection), deafness, and brain damage.
  • Chickenpox (VAR) prevents blisters, skin infections, nerve damage, and loss of eyesight.
  • Hepatitis A (HepA) prevents fever, tiredness, and diarrhea (loose, watery stool).

Call the Nurse Advice Line at 1(877) 977-3397 or talk to a doctor 24/7 at sfhp.org/teladoc.

More Help from SFHP

  • Customer Service: If you need help or have questions, call SFHP Customer Service at 1(415) 547-7800, 1(800) 288-5555 (toll-free), or 711 (TTY), Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:30pm.
  • Interpreter Services: You can get an interpreter in-person or by phone for your health visits. When you make an appointment, ask for an interpreter at the same time.
  • Need a Ride? SFHP can help you get transportation to any medical appointment covered by Medi-Cal. Ask your provider or call Customer Service.
  • Interested in Medi-Cal Benefits? See if you or your family can get Medi-Cal through SFHP.

Learn more about your covered Medi-Cal benefits and services.