Fact Sheet - Immunization

• Immunization is one of the most effective ways to prevent disease.

• Prior to widespread immunization in the U.S., infectious diseases killed or disabled thousands of children each year.

• Immunizations must begin at birth and most vaccinations are completed by age 2.

• Receiving immunizations on time (by age two) protects children from being infected and prevents the infection of others at schools and day care centers.

• Children under age 5 are especially susceptible to disease because their immune systems have not built up the necessary defenses to fight infection.

• While all 50 states and the District of Columbia have immunization requirements for children entering day care and school, there are no such laws assuring that children are up-to-date on their shots by age 2.

 

• Pertussis (whooping cough) incidence has increased since the 1970’s despite the widespread vaccination of children. Adolescent and adult patients often transmit the illness to young children and infants who may not yet be fully protected.

• Until the middle of the 20th Century, smallpox was one of the most devastating diseases the world has ever known. Millions died from it every year. In 1967, the World Health Organization declared war on smallpox with an intensive, worldwide vaccination campaign. Twelve years later, smallpox was wiped out.

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