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Immunization

One of the greatest success stories in public health is how vaccines have reduced infectious diseases. Routine immunization has eradicated smallpox from the globe; led to the near elimination of wild poliovirus; reduced preventable infectious diseases to an all-time low; and minimized the number of people that experience the devastating effects of measles, pertussis and other illnesses. Vaccines are highly effective in preventing death and disability. They also save billions of dollars in health costs annually.

A decision to vaccinate is a decision to help protect individuals and entire communities from diseases spread by person-to-person transmission. When immunization programs achieve high levels of community immunity, the likelihood that an infected person will transmit the disease to a susceptible individual is greatly reduced

To learn more about immunization see the CDC National Immunization Program

Read the National Vaccine Plan

General Immunization Information

Traveler's Health

Immunization Glossary

Immunization concepts

10 Tips on Evaluating Immunization Information

Vaccine Fact Sheet

Vaccine Safety

Recommended Immunizations

Recommended Childhood Vaccinations

Recommended Adolescent Immunizations

Recommended Adult Immunizations

Recommended Health Care Worker Immunizations

Recommended Travelers Immunizations

Immunization Laws and Registries

Immunization Laws

Immunization Registries

Immunization Topics

Thimerosal

Last revised: November 7, 2005

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