Immunizations (General)

Over the last 50 years, immunization has saved more lives than any other health intervention. The fact that vaccines have been so successful has led many of us to forget what life would be like without them – and why it is so important to continue to vaccinate.

What is a vaccine?

A vaccine consists of a tiny amount of dead or weakened germs which helps the immune system learn how to protect itself against disease.

Why we vaccinate

• Infants and young children are particularly susceptible to preventable diseases because their immune systems are less able to fight infection; and as a result, they require timely vaccination.
• Vaccines are safe and have significantly decreased, and in some cases eliminated, vaccine-preventable diseases. E.g. polio, measles, and smallpox have been eliminated.
• Vaccines saves lives.

Services related to this information:

811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555

Public Health Nursing office