Public Information

Information for the public: vaccine-preventable diseases still exist

One of greatest challenges facing infant immunizations in Utah is the perception that vaccine-preventable diseases do not present a significant threat and there is no reason to immunize children. But, it is a fact that many children in our communities are not fully immunized and remain at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases.

Often when children are not immunized, epidemics of disease can recur. For example, over 1,500 pertussis (whooping cough) cases were reported in Utah in 2012. Many of these cases occurred in children and adolescents.

Children need immunizations in the first two years of life to protect them against disease, disability, and even death. And immunizations should continue into adolescence and adulthood to provide adequate protection.