Why is Childhood Immunization Important?
Vaccines help prevent infectious diseases and save lives. Childhood immunizations are responsible for the control of many infectious diseases that were once common in this country, including polio, measles, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), rubella (German measles), mumps, tetanus, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). While the US currently has near record low cases of vaccine-preventable diseases, the viruses and bacteria that cause them still exist. Vaccines prevent disease in the people who receive them and protect those who come into contact with unvaccinated individuals. The use of vaccination for customary childhood illnesses have decreased the incidences of diphtheria, measles, mumps, congenital rubella syndrome, and invasive Hib disease (meningitis, sepsis) by 99% and wild polio by 100%. When Should I Begin Immunizing my Child? Early protection is vital, immunization begins at birth. This early start on immunization is crucial because an infant’s immune system does no
