IMMUNIZATIONS

Immunizations help protect you or your child from disease. They also help reduce the spread of disease to others and prevent epidemics. Most are given as shots. They are sometimes called vaccines, or vaccinations.

In many cases when you get a vaccine, you get a tiny amount of a weakened or dead form of the organism that causes the disease. This amount is not enough to give you the actual disease. But it is enough to cause your immune system to make antibodies that can recognize and attack the organism if you are ever exposed to it.

Immunizations are heralded as one of the 20th century's most cost-effective public health achievements. Immunizations protect both individuals and the larger population, especially those people who have immune system disorders and cannot be vaccinated. In their role as guardian of the public's health, states play a significant role in determining immunization policies.

High vaccination coverage rates and low incidences of diseases indicate a successful immunization program.

Why should you get immunized?

Immunizations protect you or your child from dangerous diseases. They help reduce the spread of disease to others. Getting immunized costs less than getting treated for the diseases that the shots protect you from. Vaccines have very few serious side effects. They are often needed for entrance into school or day care. And they may be needed for employment or for travel to another country. If you are a woman who is planning to get pregnant, talk to your doctor about what immunizations you have had and what you may need to protect your baby. And if you live with a pregnant woman, make sure that your vaccines are up to date. Traveling to other countries may be another reason to get immunized. Talk with your doctor 6 months before you leave, to see if you need any shots.

What immunizations are recommended for children and adolescents?

Ask your doctor what shots your child should get. The immunization schedule includes vaccines for:

-Anthrax

-Diphtheria

-Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib)

-Hepatitis A-Hepatitis B-Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

-Influenza

-Lyme Disease

-Measles

-Meningococcal disease

-Mumps

-Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

-Pneumococcal disease

-Polio

-Rabies

-Rotavirus

-Rubella

-Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

-Smallpox

-Tetanus

-Tuberculosis

-Typhoid Fever

-Varicella (Chickenpox)

-Yellow Fever