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Back-to-School Immunizations
Why Do We Need Childhood Immunizations?
The goal of public health is to prevent disease. It's much easier and more cost-effective to prevent a disease or outbreak of a disease rather than treat it.
Immunizations protect us from serious diseases and also prevent the spread of those diseases to others. Over the years, immunizations have thwarted epidemics of once-common infectious diseases such as measles, mumps and tetanus. And because of immunizations, we've seen the eradication of others, such as smallpox.
Some vaccines need to be given only once. Others require updates or "boosters" to help maintain successful protection against disease.
The goal of public health is to prevent disease. It's much easier and more cost-effective to prevent a disease or outbreak of a disease rather than treat it.
Immunizations protect us from serious diseases and also prevent the spread of those diseases to others. Over the years, immunizations have thwarted epidemics of once-common infectious diseases such as measles, mumps and tetanus. And because of immunizations, we've seen the eradication of others, such as smallpox.
Some vaccines need to be given only once. Others require updates or "boosters" to help maintain successful protection against disease.
More from Oprah.com
More from WebMD
As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.
By Debra Fulghum Bruce, PhD
Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD
SOURCES: CDC: "Parents Guide to Childhood Immunizations." WebMD Medical Reference: "Immunizations and Vaccines: The Power of Preparation." WebMD Medical Reference: "Young Childhood Immunizations." WebMD Medical Reference: "Preteen and Teen Immunizations." WebMD's Medical Reference: "Developing Healthy Eating Habits In Your Kids." WebMD Medical Reference: "Heart Health: Foods to Buy, Foods to Avoid." WebMD Medical Reference: "Healthy Eating for Weight Loss."
