Immunization
What is an immunization?
An immunization, also known as vaccination or inoculation, is the act of receiving a vaccine to protect against diseases.
Vaccines are a biologic that produces antibodies in reaction to a virus’s causative agent, creating immunity against the virus.
Common immunizations include
- Flu
- Chickenpox
- HPV
- Meningitis
- Polio
Because high immunization rates protect the public through “herd immunity,” many schools, childcare centers and healthcare facilities require immunizations for students and employees.
Why are immunizations important to healthcare?
Immunizations are important because they protect individuals, especially vulnerable populations, against many life-threatening but preventable illnesses. The impact of immunization includes significantly reduced mortality and morbidity. In turn, these outcomes improve many people’s well-being and quality of life across the world.