Vaccines are not just for kids. Many adults become ill, disabled, and die each year from diseases that could be prevented by vaccines. Did you know over a million people travel to and from other countries daily, where many preventable diseases remain? Without vaccines, many disease outbreaks could happen. 

In the United States, immunizations, also called vaccinations or vaccines, have reduced or eliminated many diseases that once caused death in infants, children, and adults. A decision not to vaccinate puts you and those who you come in contact with at risk of getting a disease that could be dangerous or deadly

Immunization is a vital public health tool and an essential element in protecting the nation’s health. Over the past several decades, immunizations have been successful in reducing the incidence of many vaccine-preventable diseases, including eliminating polio from the Americas and eradicating smallpox from the world. Despite these accomplishments, vaccine-preventable diseases continue to be major causes of morbidity and mortality. Each year, over 40,000 people die in the U.S. of vaccine preventable diseases or their complications. Make sure you and your family members are up to date with  immunization recommendations

Helpful resources:

• Washtenaw County Public Health Immunization Program
• 2008 Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
• Adult Immunization Schedule