Frequently Asked Questions
How serious are vaccine-preventable diseases?
Although we do not see the
vaccine-preventable diseases as frequently due to a higher rate of people
getting immunized, these diseases continue to be very serious.
Historically, diseases have had high
hospitalization and/or mortality rates.
Before immunizations were
given in the United States:
About 6,000 people died each year due to
measles.
During the 1920s, about 150,000 cases of
diphtheria were reported and caused 14,000 deaths annually.
Prior to 1979, about 35,000 people annually
were infected with polio each year. Since then, the United States has been
polio free because of immunizations.
How do immunizations
work?
During an immunization, you receive a weakened or
inactivated form of the disease, which passes through your body without causing
illness. Using this weakened form of the disease, your body produces antibodies
and white blood cells to specifically combat the disease, thus providing immunity.
For example:
In
most cases, when you develop chickenpox (varicella), you get sick but then are
immune to the disease once you recover. The immunity is developed because your body
learns to recognize the disease and your antibodies work to prevent you from
getting sick again.
Immunizations work the same way,
except you do not have to be subjected to the possible symptoms of the disease.
Are immunizations
safe?
Yes, in most cases, immunizations are safe and effective
and cause little to no side effects. Most reactions are mild such as fever, a
bruise, or soreness at the injection site. Before immunizations are licensed by
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they are tested extensively to ensure
their safety. Each person is unique and may react differently to an
immunization. Very rarely, people have more serious side effects, but the
benefits of immunizations far outweigh the risks they may have. Check with your
doctor about pre-immunization screening and potential side effects.
Why are immunizations
important?
Immunizations have
succeeded in decreasing the number of infectious diseases that once posed a
constant threat to the people around the globe. However, these
vaccine-preventable diseases are still present throughout many of our
communities. Without being properly immunized, you increase your risk of
exposing you and your loved ones to these diseases. For more information, visit
the Centers for Disease Control
Where can I get my immunizations?
You
can get your immunizations from your healthcare provider, at a nearby health
clinic, local health department, or pharmacy.
For more information on how to receive immunizations,
contact your healthcare provider, local health department or the Texas
Department of State Health Services
How much do immunizations
cost?
If you are insured: Most health insurance
plans provide service coverage that includes immunizations. For more
information, contact your healthcare or insurance provider.
If you are uninsured: You may qualify for the Adult Safety Net Program,
Should I have a
personal immunization record?
The Texas Immunization Registry,
ImmTrac2, provides a consolidated record of your immunizations. This
confidential record allows you and your healthcare provider to see which immunizations
you have received, and which ones you need, allowing you to stay up-to-date
with your immunizations.
For more information about the immunization registry,
visit the Texas Department of State Health Services ImmTrac2 website.
Where can I
get more information?
For more information on immunizations, contact your
healthcare provider, local health department, the Texas Department of State
Health Services, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.