Abstract

Nothing has improved disease control as thoroughly as immunizations. In well-immunized populations, there is no flaccid paralysis (polio), almost no epiglottitis or postmeningitis deafness (Haemophilus influenzae), and little postviral male sterility (mumps). Immunizations are not perfect; they may cause side effects, some of which have led to the discontinuation of the vaccine when side effects have outweighed the vaccine's protective effects. However, immunization works best not by the protection it provides the individual but by the protection provided to the population at risk. This article discusses the currently available vaccines along with recommendations for their use.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Emmett GA, Schneider M

Institution

Department of Pediatrics, Thomas Jefferson University, 833 Chestnut Street, Suite 300, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. gemmett@nemours.org

Source

Primary care 38:4 2011 Dec pg 729-45, ix

MeSH

Humans
Immunization Schedule
Physician's Practice Patterns
Primary Health Care
United States

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Review

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22094143