Vaccines and immunizations
The science of safeguarding your health
Vaccines are one of our most effective tools for preventing infectious diseases. They work by training your immune system to recognize and fight harmful viruses and bacteria before they can make you sick. Some vaccines provide lifelong protection, while others require boosters to keep immunity strong.
Generally considered safe, vaccines pose far less risks than the potentially deadly diseases they prevent. Vaccines are developed through rigorous research and testing to determine they are safe and effective before use.
With global travel making it easier for infectious diseases to spread, new viruses emerging, and once-controlled diseases like measles and whooping cough making a comeback, widespread immunization is key to protecting both public health and individual well-being. By choosing to get vaccinated, you’re not only protecting yourself but others: newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems who rely on herd immunity for protection.
Types of vaccine protection for individuals and communities
Vaccines serve many people and purposes, protecting specific people and groups, preventing the spread of disease, and supporting public health across communities.
Childhood vaccinations are given at specific ages to protect against serious diseases such as polio, HPV, measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus. These vaccines not only keep children safe but also help them build strong, lasting immunity that protects them well into adulthood.
Routine vaccines like the annual flu shot or the COVID-19 vaccine are recommended for most people to protect against common, contagious diseases. Widespread vaccination helps reduce transmission and protects those who are more vulnerable, such as infants, the elderly, and people with chronic conditions.
Travel vaccines protect people who are visiting areas where certain diseases are more common. Depending on your destination, you may need vaccines for yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A, or other region-specific illnesses that aren’t typically a risk at home.
Some jobs carry a higher risk of exposure to infectious diseases. Occupational vaccines, such as the hepatitis B vaccine for health care workers or rabies vaccine for animal handlers, help protect employees and prevent workplace-related outbreaks.
People with weakened immune systems, older adults, or those with certain chronic health conditions may be more susceptible to infections. Vaccines like the shingles, pneumonia, or RSV vaccine help protect these groups from potentially severe complications.
In the event of a sudden disease outbreak, such as meningitis, mpox, or localized measles cases, vaccines may be given rapidly to affected communities. These targeted campaigns help contain the spread and prevent wider public health crises.
Common vaccine-preventable diseases
Your trusted source for vaccines and immunizations
At Penn Medicine, we do more than administer vaccines. Our physicians stay current on vaccine research, including expanding the use of MRNA technology in vaccines, and many are actively involved in studies to advance the understanding, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases.
While vaccines are safe and essential for most people, some people with severe allergies to vaccine ingredients or weakened immune systems may need a modified immunization strategy. Our providers will tailor a disease prevention plan, including appropriate vaccinations, that works best for you.
We’re here to respectfully address any concerns you have about vaccines and help you make informed decisions. When you have questions about the need for certain vaccines, specific risks and side effects, information found online, and more, you can always rely on us for answers based on the latest science. We’re proud to be a trusted partner in keeping you and your loved ones safe and healthy, now and in the future.
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