Immunization

An immunization, also called a vaccination, is a way to keep you from getting a disease. The medicine causes your body to make antibodies that can then recognize and fight the illness if you are later exposed to it.

Besides keeping you from getting sick, immunizations also help reduce the spread of disease to others and prevent epidemics.

Credits

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: October 9, 2012
Medical Review: John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
William Atkinson, MD, MPH - Public Health and Preventive Medicine

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