Why we vaccinate kids
Vaccination is one of the greatest advancements in public health, saving hundreds of millions of lives in the past century. Highly effective and safe vaccines are available to prevent measles and other common childhood diseases starting at infancy, and a COVID vaccine is available now for kids 5 and older.
A Coverage series features the voices of parents, clinicians, and loved ones of those who suffered from illnesses that vaccines have since made rare, including measles, smallpox, polio and meningitis B. Their words offer a powerful reminder of the vital importance of vaccination.
Questions about the new COVID boosters for kids?
An infectious disease experts explains how they can help provide protection this winter
Why I vaccinate my child
Five parents share their reasons for making sure their kids are protected against measles and other infectious diseases
Life before vaccines: Polio
From playing football, to iron lung: One man's story
Life before vaccines: Measles
A sister's story: A rash, a fever, encephalitis and lifelong damage in the era before vaccination
Life before vaccines: Meningitis B
'There is not one hour that goes by that I don't think about her': A mother's story
Life before vaccines: Diphtheria
A public health historian describes the horrific effects of 'throat distemper'
Life before vaccines: Smallpox
A medical breakthrough ended a disease that had killed 300 million worldwide
Facts about vaccination
How vaccines work
An easy-to-follow guide to how inactivated viruses can spur your body’s natural immune system and safely fight disease
How does an mRNA vaccine work?
A clinician explain how the new mRNA vaccines safely and effectively protect you from COVID-19