Health Advisor > Immunizations

Immunizations

Immunization is one of the most important public health victories of the 20th century – defeating or sharply reducing disease such as smallpox, polio, measles, diphtheria, rubella, pertussis and others. But despite all of this, tens of thousands of people in the U.S. still die from these and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

Vaccines offer safe, effective protection from infectious diseases. By staying up-to-date on recommended vaccines, you can protect yourself, family, friends and community from spreading serious, life-threatening infections. If you have questions about when and what immunizations are needed, review immunization schedule guidelines (PDF).

How immunizations work

Vaccines contain weakened or killed versions of viruses or bacteria. After vaccination, the body develops antibodies that attack these germs. Most vaccines need multiple doses to provide protection. Some vaccines give lifetime immunity, while others require periodic boosters.

Health experts create vaccination schedules used by health care providers to make sure that recommended vaccines are given at the right age and time to protect people from vaccine- preventable diseases.

Web resources

How to identify reliable sources of immunization information on the Internet

•  American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) (PDF)
•  Minnesota Department of Health (PDF)

General information on vaccines

• Important information for families, AAP
• Parents, what you need to know, CDC
• National Network for Immunization Information