The story of Haemophilus influenzae type b
meningitis: Once a common scourge, now a case is hard to find
COMING SOON!
Freedom from a long history of
disease and death
Vaccines make a qualitative difference in the lives of every
American. For example, before tetanus (lockjaw) immunization was available, the fear of tetanus
infection lingered over every puncture wound or break in the skin. Today's older adults may recall
the vigor with which every childhood scrape was scrubbed and doused with stinging antiseptics to
prevent infections. As the chart below shows, tetanus is now very rare in the United States,
thanks to regular tetanus immunizations and boosters.
Chart Reported tetanus rates per
100,000 population, United States, 1947-1997*
 |
| *1997 provisional data |
As long as immunization
usage is high, even individuals who are not vaccinated benefit, because they are surrounded by
people who are unlikely to catch, and then spread, vaccine-preventable diseases.
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