What a WONDER that something so small can save so many lives.Vaccines were created by scientists over 200 years ago. Since the first one back in 1796, vaccines have been helping to protect us from diseases such as smallpox, polio, flu and COVID‑19. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, 3.5–5 million lives are saved by vaccines every year.
Understandably, many people had questions about vaccines then, and they still do today. Asking questions is a good thing and it’s best to get answers from trustworthy sources. It’s important to understand what vaccines are, how they work, the potential risks and how they can help protect you and your loved ones. Here are 3 steps you can take to get started.1. Find out what vaccines you need
Vaccines are recommended across all stages of life, and certain factors can increase their need.
You could be at greater risk for a vaccine‑preventable disease due to your age, an underlying medical condition, or lifestyle.
The best way to help protect your health, or the health of a loved one, is to find out which vaccines are needed and when.
Learn about vaccine recommendationsLoading2. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about vaccinations
It’s great to do some research on your own and write down questions for your doctor.
Your doctor or pharmacist can answer questions about your specific needs.
Make an appointment today to get your questions answered.
3. Make a plan to include vaccinations into your wellness routine
Vaccination recommendations can change over time. As your health status or age changes, you may need other vaccinations.
Make keeping up to date with vaccinations a part of your healthy lifestyle. Keep track of your vaccination history and note which ones you’re missing.
See more about wellness routinesLoadingA scientific WONDERYour immune system is your body’s central defense against diseases, viruses, and bacteria of all kinds. But even a strong, healthy immune system can’t stand up against every threat. That’s where vaccines come in. Each vaccine is designed to train the immune system so it can better protect you against a specific threat.
Even if you are vaccinated against a specific virus or bacteria, you can still get infected. But vaccines can help prevent an infection from becoming more severe.The WONDER of experienceFor a vaccine to be available to the public, it must be tested to prove its effectiveness and safety in humans. Thousands of people are included in clinical trials that are closely watched to make sure the vaccines help provide protection as intended and are also safe for people to receive.
Study participants vary depending on the type of vaccine and who they are for. Some are tested specifically for children, some are only for adults, and many take into account potential impacts of underlying medical conditions like diabetes, asthma, or autoimmune disorders.
Everyone’s experience is individual. Everyone’s choice is personal. If you have questions about vaccinations for yourself or a loved one, bring them to your doctor or pharmacist.
Here are some questions to ask:
What vaccines are recommended for me or my loved one?
What's the risk to me and my loved ones of getting infected, and the likelihood of serious infection?
How reliable and effective are vaccines?
What are the safety risks and side effects of vaccines?
How can I best stay up to date with all my vaccinations?
A WONDEROUS wellness routineVaccination is an important part of good health
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can have a big impact on the long-term health of you and your loved ones. A complete health plan is more than a good diet and exercise. It’s also necessary to see your doctor for regular checkups, so they can screen for new conditions and track any changes in your health over time. A current health assessment can help to make sure you’re up to date with your vaccinations.
Getting vaccinated is not just something to do as a kid. As you age and as different diseases emerge, vaccinations may be available to help protect you. Vaccines help our bodies stay healthy and help fight off vaccine-preventable illnesses that could harm you.
Incorporating vaccination into your overall wellness routine is a simple step toward better preventative health. To stay on track, it’s important to set regular reminders to ask your doctor about CDC-recommended vaccines and have your necessary information, such as medical history, easily accessible.It’s time to take action. Find out which vaccines are right for you.Loading
Wondering where to get a vaccine?
Start SearchLoading
Wondering about certain vaccine-preventable diseases?