Immunizations - Introduction

Highlights	Hepatitis A	Haemophilus Type B
Introduction	Hepatitis B	Smallpox
Diptheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis	Poliomyelitis	Other Vaccinations
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella	Pneumococcal Pneumonia	Resources
Varicella-Zoster Virus (Chickenpox)	Viral Influenza	References

Introduction

Immunizations against childhood diseases have saved millions of lives. American vaccination rates are now at an all-time high. Disease and death from diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, and Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) type b are at or near record lows. In adults, immunizations against influenza (the flu), pneumococcal pneumonia, hepatitis, and other ailments have likewise saved many lives and prevented may more cases of serious illness.

More than 70 bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other infectious microbes cause major human disease. Fortunately,vaccines are either available or being developed against many of them. With the advent of new or newly feared biological threats, emerging infections, and bacterial resistance to common antibiotics, immunizations are assuming an increasingly important role in maintaining the health of billions of people worldwide.

Immunizations (vaccinations) are given to initiate or augment resistance to an infectious disease. Immunizations provide a specialized form of immunity that provides long-lasting protection against specific antigens, which cause disease.

text continues below

General Guidelines

Routine Childhood Vaccines. Experts recommend that all children be routinely vaccinated against the following diseases:

Measles.
Mumps.
Rubella (German measles).
Diphtheria.
Tetanus.
Pertussis (whooping cough).
Poliomyelitis (polio).
Chickenpox.
Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis A (recommended in selected states and in certain high-risk populations).
H. influenzae type B (a cause of meningitis).
Influenza (children aged 6-23 months).
Pneumococcal disease.

Many vaccinations are first given during infancy. Even premature infants can, in most cases, be given vaccinations on a normal schedule. There is even some evidence thatdoing somay offer some slight protection against sudden infant death syndrome. Note: These facts pertain to children in the United States. Children from other countries have not been well studied. Parents who adopt internationally may want to have their children''s immunity assessed by a physician. Some evidence suggests that their medical records may not correctly reflect immunization status and that many adopted children, such as those from China, have not had many important vaccinations.