Vaccination Protects Against These Diseases

Immunizations routinely recommended for all children can prevent many major diseases, including:

• Chickenpox (varicella)
• Diphtheria
• The flu (influenza)
• German measles (rubella)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b infections (meningitis, sepsis, pneumonia, arthritis, epiglottitis, and other serious infections)
• Hepatitis B
• Measles
• Meningococcal infections (meningococcemia, meningitis)
• Mumps
• Pneumococcal infections (meningitis, sepsis, pneumonia, arthritis, and other serious infections)
• Polio
• Tetanus
• Whooping cough (pertussis)
• Several other immunizations are used in certain circumstances (eg, hepatitis A, rabies).

The opportunities to protect the health of children and teenagers have never been greater. Today’s generation of parents may feel safe from diseases that threatened millions of children many years ago. Although the number of sick patients has greatly decreased, it’s important to remember that all of these diseases still exist and can harm children who have not been immunized. Routine, up-to-date vaccinations are as important today as they have ever been.