Vaccines give people immunity to current diseases or diseases that were once common in this country. Vaccines are developed against both viruses and bacteria. Bacterial vaccines include those against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and certain types of pneumonia. Viral vaccines include smallpox (which has been eradicated in the United States), polio, measles, influenza, Covid-19, rubella (German measles), and mumps. These diseases can cause disability or death. Vaccines protect the health of the community, especially those people who are not immunized. People who are not immunized include those who are too young to be vaccinated or have cancer or a suppressed immune system. Vaccines slow down or stop disease outbreaks. It is important for everyone who can, to get vaccinated! Have you and your children been vaccinated? FAMC provides adult and childhood vaccines in the clinic and in community outreach settings.
Dr. Sylvia Anderson