Vaccines are the main reason for the global eradication of naturally occurring smallpox, and near-eradication of polio and measles in the United States. Vaccines are important tools that:
- Protect individual health and the overall health of a population.
- Protect against disease infection and preserve medical readiness
- Prime the immune system to fight off viruses, bacteria and other threats.
When disease cells invade the body, they attack and multiply. This invasion is called an infection, and the infection is what causes illness. The immune system then has to fight the infection. Once it fights off the infection, the body is left with a supply of cells that help recognize and fight that disease in the future.
How Vaccines Work
Vaccines develop similar immunity without ever presenting an infection, by introducing weakened or dead disease cells into the body that cause the immune system to develop the same response it does by infection. You may have minor side effects, such as:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
Most side effects subside within 24-48 hours and are part of the normal process of building immunity. More serious reactions can occur, but are extremely rare.
Immunization health is a lifelong process – from conception to the golden years, with specific vaccines and schedulesGoes to CDC website indicated for all age-specific populations.
The military, which has historically played a major role in advancing vaccination science, offers an immunization regimen that often leads to greater protection against more diseases for Service members and their families. Service members and their families should always consult with their physicians to ensure they receive the appropriate vaccinations at the appropriate times.
You also may be interested in...
Article Around MHS
Dec 8, 2022
The 8th Healthcare Operations Squadron immunizations flight is full of experts on delivering injections and ensuring our Kunsan Airmen always stay ready. “Immunizations maintains mission readiness by tracking and vaccinating members for preventable diseases,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Aidan Herring, 8th HCOS allergy and immunology technician.
Article Around MHS
Nov 23, 2022
Naval Medical Research Center’s clinical trials center is looking for 200 volunteer test subjects for a new clinical study that investigates the immune response to seasonal flu vaccination.
Article Around MHS
Oct 24, 2022
There are two vaccines you should consider getting this Fall, and now you can get them both at the same time.
Article Around MHS
Sep 8, 2022
The 86th Medical Group is now offering the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, which has been authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, to members 18 years and older in the Kaiserslautern Military Community.
Article Around MHS
Jul 28, 2022
Plan your Child's Check-Up before school starts.
You are leaving Health.mil
The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense of non-U.S. Government sites or the information, products, or services contained therein. Although the Defense Health Agency may or may not use these sites as additional distribution channels for Department of Defense information, it does not exercise editorial control over all of the information that you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this website.
You are leaving Health.mil
View the external links disclaimer.
Last Updated: September 01, 2023