Why Immunize? 

Immunizations or “shots” help keep children and adults from getting dangerous vaccine preventable diseases. In the United States many vaccine preventable diseases are very uncommon, but in other countries these diseases are common. 

Think about the frequency of people traveling internationally, on the move around the world. These travelers may begin to experience symptoms of a disease after they may have already been exposed. You and your family could come in contact unknowingly with someone who is a disease carrier, in the grocery line, in church, or a healthy baby visit in a doctor’s office. Infants, young children and the elderly are at the highest risk for diseases. 

Immunizations help build up the immune system to fight off these diseases. Every time you or your child receives an immunization, the immune system gets stronger to enable the body to fight off the disease you are immunized against. 

Herd immunity, also known as community immunity, occurs when a portion of the population is vaccinated, providing protection to those who have not been vaccinated. In other words, unvaccinated individuals are indirectly protected by vaccinated individuals, thus reducing the spread of illness and providing a level of protection to vulnerable persons. For this to be most effective though, only a small fraction of the population can be left unvaccinated, such as those with medical conditions that cannot safely receive vaccines, or are too young to be immunized. 

A child who is not immunized is automatically more susceptible to dangerous diseases. Fighting these diseases may require hospitalization, permanent disability, be costly and time off work for parents. 

Since vaccines are developed to prevent diseases, they are safe and effective against the threat of disease. 

Protect your family from vaccine preventable diseases. Vaccines start at birth and continue throughout your life to keep you healthy. 

To learn more about what immunization your child or you as an adult need, contact your family physician or contact your local Health Department.