Immunization is one of the most beneficial and cost-effective disease-prevention measures available. As a result of effective and safe vaccines, smallpox has been eradicated, polio is close to worldwide eradication, and measles and rubella are no longer endemic in the…
Revised April 3, 2022 Revised February 24, 2020 The two most effective means of preventing disease, disability, and death from infectious diseases have been sanitation and immunization. Both approaches antedated understanding of the germ theory of disease. Artificial induction of…
Immunization and Vaccines: Overview Immunization is the process of artificially inducing immunity or providing protection from disease. Active immunization is the process of stimulating the body to produce antibody and other immune responses (e.g., cell-mediated immunity) through administration of a…
A strong immunization program is critical to ensure vaccines are given at the recommended ages to all children, adolescents, and adults in the United States. The immunization system in the United States is a public- and private-sector partnership, including federal…
INTRODUCTION History of Disease Tetanus is unique among vaccine-preventable diseases in that it is not communicable. Clostridium tetani , the causative agent of tetanus, is widespread in the environment; many animals, in addition to humans, can harbor and excrete the…