On-time vaccination throughout childhood is essential because it helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccines are tested to ensure that they are safe and effective for children to receive at the recommended ages. The immunization schedule is designed to provide protection at just the right time. Delaying vaccines could leave your child vulnerable to disease when they are most likely to have serious complications. Vaccines work by providing immunity before your child is exposed to dangerous diseases.
Vaccines are important for adults because they help prevent serious diseases and their complications, which can lead to poor health, missed work, medical bills, and not being able to care for family. Here are some reasons why adults need to get vaccinated:
- Vaccines have saved lives for over 100 years: Vaccines have greatly reduced diseases that once routinely harmed or killed babies, children, and adults. People all over the world—including in the United States—still become seriously ill or even die from diseases that vaccines can help prevent.
- Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from preventable disease: Vaccines help your body create protective antibodies—proteins that help it fight off infections. By getting vaccinated, you can protect yourself and avoid spreading preventable diseases to others in your community.
- Vaccines can prevent serious illness: Some vaccine-preventable diseases can have serious complications or even lead to later illnesses. For example, the annual flu vaccine helps you avoid infection and reduces your chances of being hospitalized or dying if you do become infected. Flu vaccine also protects you from flu-related pneumonia and flu-related heart attacks or stroke—complications that can affect anyone but are especially dangerous for persons with diabetes or chronic heart or lung conditions.
- The vaccines you receive are safe: Vaccines are thoroughly tested before they are approved for use and are continually monitored for safety.
- Immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off over time: Adults need to keep their vaccinations up to date because they can wear off over time. You are also at risk for different diseases as an adult.
Talk to your healthcare provider about vaccination to see whether you might have missed any vaccines or need a booster.