Well, in the past, smallpox killed hundreds of millions of people. Today, thanks to the smallpox vaccine, the disease has been essentially wiped out. Scientists and health care workers are always trying to stay one step ahead of communicable diseases and develop new vaccines. Vaccines fall into four categories. Read about each one to learn more.
• Live-virus …show more content…
These are inactivated toxins from pathogens. They are used to stimulate the production of antibodies. Tetanus and diphtheria immunizations use toxoids.
Other types. New and second-generation viruses are on the cutting edge of disease-fighting technology. One example is the vaccine for hepatitis B, which is made from genetically altered yeast cells
When you receive a vaccine, you are not only keeping yourself healthy but also helping to protect everyone around you. Vaccination reduces the number of people who are at risk for a communicable disease. That’s why it’s important to keep your immunizations up-to-date. To find out which immunizations you need, ask your family physician or local health department. Maintaining a record of your vaccinations will help you keep track of when you need “booster” shots.
Most schools and preschools require students to show proof of current immunizations before admission. Each state also has its own laws about immunization and school attendance. Make sure you know and follow the public health policies and government regulations in your community. Remember, everyone can play an active role in preventing the spread of communicable