State Immunization Programs Directory
Vaccines are among the 20th century's most successful and cost-effective public health tools for preventing disease and death. Thanks to immunizations, diseases like polio that were once common, are now only distant memories for most Americans. Today, there are few visible reminders of the suffering, injuries, and deaths caused by diseases that are now prevented with vaccines. At present, there are vaccines available to protect children and adults against at least fifteen (15) life-threatening or crippling diseases.
Immunizations are for people of all ages. From newborns to senior citizens, timely immunizations are one of the most important ways for people to protect themselves and others from serious diseases. Adults need to make certain they have received all of their childhood vaccinations and stay up-to-date with the vaccinations that are recommended for adults. All college students attending school in many states are required to be immunized against measles, mumps and rubella. It is also recommended that first year college students living in dormitories be immunized against meningitis. Travelers to foreign countries may need additional vaccines where diseases exist that are not common in the U.S., such as typhoid fever and yellow fever.
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