Vaccines create immunity by introducing a weakened or killed form of a bacteria or virus, which your immune system uses to create antibodies. These antibodies are then primed to take action if a pathogen enters your system in any way – defending you from illness.

Because your immune system is always working to protect you, vaccines give it the jumpstart it needs to prevent illnesses that can be devastating and debilitating. Staying current with immunizations is one of the easiest things you can do for you and your family to stay healthy and well.

Not Just for Kids!
Adults need to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations, too. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccinations from birth through adulthood to provide a lifetime of protection against many diseases and infections.

Common adult immunizations include:
• Shingles
• Pneumoccocal disease
• Influenza
• HPV
• Hepatitis B

Take the CDC’s vaccination quiz, then talk with your doctor to make sure you are as protected as possible.

Don’t wait! Vaccinate!
Like eating right, exercising, and being screened regularly for diseases, vaccines play a vital role in keeping all family members healthy, and are among the safest medical products available. The risks associated with diseases prevented through vaccination are much greater than the potential risks from vaccines themselves.