Over the years, vaccines have prevented countless cases of disease and saved millions of lives. Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved one from potentially harmful diseases. Diseases preventable by vaccine can be very serious and may lead to hospitalization or death – especially among infants, young children and the elderly.
Vaccines are made from very small amounts of weak or dead germs that can cause diseases – for example, viruses, bacteria, or toxins. It prepares your body to fight the disease faster and more effectively so you won’t be sick, or at least not weaken the affects of the disease.
Vaccines are available at doctor’s offices and many pharmacies. Most vaccines are covered by insurance. They don’t just protect you, but also those around you – like infants and people with weak or failing immune systems – who may not be able to get many vaccines.