Most people who get COVID-19 infection have mild symptoms, similar to those of a cold. Others will develop severe symptoms that can cause weeks of illness, hospitalization, or death. Though some people are more at-risk for severe illness and complications from COVID-19 infection (people who are very young, very old, pregnant, or have chronic disease), anyone can get severe illness and die from COVID-19 infection, and even minor illness can lead to long-COVID syndrome. The COVID-19 vaccines are extremely safe and effective against severe illness and complications. Click here for more information.

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection causing dangerous swelling in the throat that can make it hard to breath, as well as heart failure, kidney failure, and paralysis. It can be life-threatening. Vaccination has made this disease very rare in the United States.

Hib is an extremely serious bacterial infection that can cause life threatening complications such as meningitis, pneumonia, heart inflammation, and overwhelming blood infection. The HiB vaccine has nearly eliminated the occurrence of this once common and horrifying childhood disease. 

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by a virus that spreads through contaminated food or water, or through contact with infected people. The Hepatitis A vaccine has ensured protection from this virus, greatly reducing the number of cases in the United States.

Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks the liver and can cause serious problems like liver cancer, long-term liver damage, and death. Most infants exposed to Hepatitis B during pregnancy will develop lifelong infection. In fact, infants and children are at the highest risk of lifelong infection and complications of infection with the Hepatitis B virus. Young children and adults can also get infected through casual exposure to small amounts of blood of body fluids from an infected person. The Hepatitis B vaccine is a very effective way to prevent the disease. Click here for more information.

Influenza, or “The Flu”, is caused by a virus that infects the upper respiratory tract and sometimes deep into the lung, and can make you very sick. Many people think of the flu and the common cold as the same things, however the flu is not a cold. It usually causes a much more severe illness, and typically kills tens of thousands of people every year, including healthy adults and children. The flu causes the sudden onset of high fever, shaking chills, severe muscle aches, and headache. In an uncomplicated illness, the flu can cause a cough and fatigue that lasts for weeks. Complications of the flu include pneumonia (infection of the lungs), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), myocarditis, (heart inflammation), myositis (muscle inflammation) and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). How effective the flu vaccine is depends on the match between the strains contained in flu vaccine and the strains infecting people in a given year. No matter how good the match, the vaccine will either prevent infection, or at least make your illness less severe if you do get the flu. Though some people can get mild fever, or feel fatigued the day after receiving the flu vaccine, the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu.

HPV is a very common virus that spreads through skin-to-skin contact. It causes genital warts as well as cancers of the cervix, penis, mouth and throat. Getting the HPV vaccine at a young age prevents initial infection, as well as the emergence of  these life-threatening health problems later in life. The HPV vaccine protects people from over 90% of cancers caused by the virus, including nearly 100% of cervical cancer. A 2021 study in Australia found no documented cases of cervical cancer that year among women under 25, after that country began vaccinating girls in 2007. The HPV vaccine is extremely safe. Millions of doses have been given with no serious safety concerns. The vaccine continues to be monitored for safety in over 80 countries around the world.

Measles is the most contagious disease. It  causes a rash and a high fever, and can lead to serious health problems like brain swelling (called encephalitis), pneumonia, and death. Before the measles vaccine, the measles virus infected many people worldwide. Now measles is very uncommon. Outbreaks occur when not enough people in a community are vaccinated. Getting the measles vaccine will help ensure that this serious and life threatening disease does not come back.

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness that can lead to life-threatening infections of the bloodstream (septicemia) and the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). It spreads through close or prolonged contact with respiratory droplets such as those produced by coughing, kissing, or sharing drinks or utensils. Symptoms often appear suddenly and may include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, sensitivity to light, and a distinctive rash. Because the disease can progress rapidly and be fatal within hours, early medical care and vaccination are critical for prevention and survival.

Mumps is a contagious viral illness that primarily affects the salivary glands, especially those near the jaw and ears, causing painful swelling. It spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected person. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite, followed by swollen cheeks or jaw. While most people recover fully, mumps can lead to serious complications such as hearing loss, inflammation of the brain, or infertility, making vaccination a vital form of protection.

Pertussis causes severe coughing fits and trouble breathing. It can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, seizures, and brain swelling, or even death, especially in infants and young children. The pertussis vaccine has helped save many lives.

Pneumococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia, blood infections, and meningitis. The vaccine is very effective at protecting against this serious infection.

Polio is a very contagious disease that can cause paralysis or death within hours of infection. Though once a common disease, the polio vaccine has cut the infection rate by more than 99%.

Rotavirus is a very contagious virus that causes severe diarrhea, mostly in babies and young children. It often leads to severe dehydration requiring hospitalization. The vaccine helps prevent the likelihood of getting this disease and helps to lessen the severity if one is infected with the virus.

RSV is a respiratory virus that peaks in the cold weather months. It can cause very serious lung infection in infants. Receiving an RSV vaccine significantly reduces the chance of becoming ill from RSV.

Rubella is a virus that causes rashes, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. It can be very dangerous for pregnant women because it can harm the baby during pregnancy. Most babies exposed to rubella early in a pregnancy will develop Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), a condition that causes serious birth defects, including blindness, deafness, heart defects, and abnormal brain development. The rubella virus vaccine is extremely effective in preventing infection by the rubella virus.

Shingles is a painful viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. It usually appears as a blistering rash on one side of the body or face, often accompanied by burning, tingling, or sharp pain. Shingles can lead to long-lasting nerve pain and other complications, especially in older adults or people with weakened immune systems. Vaccination can greatly reduce the risk of developing shingles and its most serious effects.

Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that causes painful muscle spasms and stiffness. It can be very dangerous and can lead to nerve damage and death. The tetanus vaccine is effective at providing protection from these serious effects.