What Shots Are at a 4-Year Checkup?

Almost 40 percent of parents refused or delayed in giving their children a vaccination during 2008, according to WebMD, an increase of about 18 percent from 2003. Children who are vaccinated against common childhood diseases are protected and also protect other children from becoming seriously or even fatally ill. Your child may be cranky and sore after receiving his shots, but it is important that he receive all booster immunizations at his four-year checkup for full protection against disease. Children with colds or a fever will need to delay receiving any vaccinations until they have recovered.

DTap or DTP

• A child receives a booster dose of the diphtheria, tetanus toxiods and pertussis vaccine at her checkup. Diphtheria and pertussis are respiratory diseases that create breathing problems, seizures or death in infants and children. Tetanus, more commonly known as lockjaw, comes from a bacteria in the soil that release a toxin in a child's bloodstream. This shot will protect against these diseases and prevent your child from developing a serious infection. The potential for these particular diseases to be fatal is high, so immunization -- usually done at birth and during the first year -- is essential, as is the booster dose given at this checkup for full immunity.

Polio

• Polio was and still is a crippling disease, rendering those who acquire it unable to walk and breathe on their own. The polio vaccination, first introduced in 1955, is given over a series of four shots, with the final being at this checkup. The polio vaccine does carry some risk of paralysis -- a 1 in 8 million chance -- but the benefits far outweigh the risks. In 2000, an inactive form of the polio virus was used in the vaccines because of several cases of polio being caused by the live virus. The inactive polio virus is given via a shot in the arm or leg, unlike the live vaccine, which is given orally.

MMR

• The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine prevents against the serious damage these diseases can inflict. Measles, characterized by a red rash similar to chicken pox, has been shown to have fatal complications when left untreated, as does rubella. Mumps can cause deafness in all children and sterility in male children. Untreated mumps infections can also lead to meningitis. Rubella, or German measles, is a serious infection in pregnant women that can result in birth defects to the fetus. The booster vaccination given at this check-up provides your child with immunity against these three potentially harmful diseases. A pregnant woman should receive the rubella vaccine during pregnancy if she does not have an immunity to the disease.

Influenza

• One in 20 people acquire the influenza virus each year, and it is responsible for some 36,000 deaths, according to WebMD. The influenza virus changes every season, so a new vaccine must be given each year. Your child will receive a flu vaccine at this checkup against complications from the flu. Kids at higher risk for complications include children with any autoimmune disorders or deficiencies, asthma, diabetes or kidney and metabolic issues. All children should be vaccinated for the influenza virus despite their risk category.