Why immunizations are good

Potential side effects associated with vaccines are uncommon and much less severe than the diseases they prevent. Vaccines will not cause the diseases they are designed to prevent Vaccines contain either killed or weakened viruses, making it impossible to get the disease from the vaccine. Young and healthy people can get very sick, too Infants and older adults are at increased risk for serious infections and complications, but vaccine-preventable diseases can strike anyone.

If you are young and healthy, getting vaccinated can help you stay that way. An average flu illness can last up to 15 days, typically with five or six missed work or school days. Adults who get hepatitis A lose an average of one month of work. A successful immunization program depends on the cooperation of every person. Improved sanitation, hygiene, and other living conditions have created a generally healthier environment and reduced the risks for disease exposure and infection in the United States.

But the dramatic and long-term decrease of diseases is primarily a result of widespread immunizations throughout the U. Even though some diseases, such as polio , rarely affect people in the U. These diseases still exist in other countries. Travelers can unknowingly bring these diseases into the U. Without the protection from immunizations, these diseases could be imported and could quickly spread through the population, causing epidemics.

Nonimmunized people living in healthy conditions are not protected from disease. Your body's immune system can fight a disease better and faster if you have had the infection before or if you get immunized. Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Immunization Schedules.

For information about vaccine safety, visit ImmunizeBC. If your child was born in B. If you did not receive one, you can request one from your local health unit. If you have questions or concerns about immunizations, speak to your health care provider or call to speak to a registered nurse anytime, every day of the year.

An overwhelming majority of health professionals, medical researchers, and professional medical organizations such as the Canadian Paediatric Society and the College of Family Physicians of Canada recommend immunization. Getting immunized is important for at least two reasons: to protect yourself and to protect those around you.

Vaccines are the best way we have to prevent infectious disease. A successful immunization program depends on the co-operation of every person. Improved sanitation, hygiene, and other living conditions have created a generally healthier environment and reduced the risks for disease exposure and infection in Canada.

But the dramatic and long-term decrease of diseases is primarily a result of widespread immunizations throughout the Canadian population. Even though some diseases, such as polio , rarely affect people in Canada, all of the recommended childhood immunizations and booster vaccines are still needed. These diseases still exist in other countries.

Travellers can unknowingly bring these diseases into Canada and infect people who have not been immunized.