Still unsure about getting inoculated for COVID-19? Vaccines now protect us against these 14 diseases, which used to be prevalent in the United States. But today, they’re almost forgotten about or are far less deadly – thanks to safe and effective vaccines. Remember, it’s your civic duty to get vaccinated.
1. Polio
Polio, a crippling and potentially deadly infectious disease that is caused by poliovirus, can cause paralysis. Polio was eliminated in the United States with vaccination, and the continued use of polio vaccine has kept this country polio-free.
2. Tetanus
Tetanus causes painful muscle stiffness and lockjaw and can be fatal. Parents used to warn kids about tetanus every time we scratched, scraped, poked, or sliced ourselves on something metal. Nowadays, the tetanus vaccine is part of a disease-fighting vaccine called DTaP, which provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).
3. The Flu (Influenza)
Flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. Flu can affect people differently based on their immune system, age and health. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against flu is to get vaccinated.
4. Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is spread through blood or other bodily fluids. It’s especially dangerous for babies. Doctors recommend that your child get three doses of the Hepatitis B shot for best protection.
5. Hepatitis A
The Hepatitis A vaccine was developed in 1995 and since then has cut the number of cases dramatically in the United States.
6. Rubella
Rubella is spread by coughing and sneezing. It is especially dangerous for a pregnant woman and her developing baby. So, make sure you and your child are protected from rubella by getting vaccinated on schedule.
7. Hib
Hib (or its official name, Haemophilus influenzae type b) isn’t as well-known as some of the other diseases, thanks to vaccines. Remember, get your child vaccinated to help them beat the odds.
8. Measles
Measles is very contagious, and it can be serious, especially for young children. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk, so make sure to stay up to date on your child’s vaccines.
9. Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious disease that can be deadly for babies. Doctors recommend that your child get five doses of the DTaP vaccine.
10. Pneumococcal Disease
This disease causes ear infections, sinus infections, pneumonia, and even meningitis, making it very dangerous for children. The germs can invade parts of the body — like the brain or spinal cord — that are normally free from germs. Make sure you keep kids safe from this dangerous disease by vaccinating.
11. Rotavirus
Children can become severely dehydrated from the disease and need to be hospitalized. If a dehydrated child does not get needed care, they could die. Rotavirus is one of the first vaccines an infant can get – and it’s the best way to protect your child from rotavirus disease.
12. Mumps
Mumps is best known for causing puffy cheeks and a swollen jaw. While mumps is still a threat today, the MMR vaccine protects you and your family against mumps, measles, and rubella.
13. Chickenpox
Chickenpox can be serious and even life-threatening, especially in babies, adults and people with weakened immune systems. Vaccinating kids at an early age is especially important to keep your children healthy.
14. Diphtheria
Most of us only know diphtheria as an obscure disease from long ago, thanks to the diphtheria vaccine babies receive. Doctors recommend that your child get five doses of the DTaP vaccine.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
