For those wondering whether immunization is still important—after all, haven’t most infectious diseases died out?—read on for these five must-know facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Vaccines aren’t just for kids
Adults can—and should—get vaccinated, too. While we commonly receive most of our vaccinations during childhood and adolescence, adults could be at risk of certain diseases due to their ages, jobs, lifestyles, travel, and other health conditions.
- Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases still occur
Don’t rely on “herd immunity”—take your own preventive steps to protect yourself and your community. Unvaccinated travelers can contract and spread diseases, leading to entirely preventable outbreaks.
- Vaccines undergo extensive testing and monitoring before approval
Like any form of medication, vaccines sometimes have common side effects—but severe and long-lasting side effects are rare.
- Vaccines give you the power to protect
You have the responsibility to protect your children from infectious, harmful diseases by scheduling timely vaccinations.
- Early intervention is key
There are certain vaccinations—such as whooping cough and flu vaccines—that effectively can be passed to your baby during pregnancy, allowing an extra level of protection when the child is born.
For more information on recommended vaccination schedules, check out the CDC’s website. Or, find a vaccination provider near you.