Vaccines & Diseases

Varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, is a highly contagious viral infection that causes an itchy, blister-like rash.

COVID-19 is a respiratory diseases caused by a coronavirus. It is very serious and very contagious. Since the COVID-19 pandemic first began in early 2020, there have been over 1.2 million deaths due to COVID-19 in the U.S. alone.

Diphtheria is an infection caused by the toxin produced by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae (C. diphtheriae). The toxin can damage healthy tissues and lead to serious health issues, including harm to the heart, kidneys, and other organs, as well as nerve damage and temporary paralysis.

Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a serious and potentially deadly respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus. The CDC estimates that every year from 2010 – 2024, flu resulted in 93 million to 41 million illnesses, 120,000 to 710,000 hospitalizations, and 6,300 to 52,000 deaths.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. Sickness typically lasts a few weeks to several months. In rare cases, hepatitis A can lead to liver failure and even death.

Hepatitis B is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. When someone is first infected, they may develop an acute (short-term) infection, but for some hepatitis B can become chronic and lead to liver failure and other complications.

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a very serious bacterial illness, especially for children under five years old. Even with good medical care as many as 1 in 20 kids who get sick with Hib meningitis will die from it, and up to 1 in 5 who survive will become deaf or have brain damage.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can lead to six types of cancer: cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal (throat) cancer. HPV is also a major cause of genital warts. HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women will be infected with the virus at some point in their lives.

Measles is an extremely contagious, and potentially severe viral disease that can easily cause outbreaks in areas where people are not vaccinated, or the population is under-vaccinated. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of non-immune people close to the infected person will be infected.

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that can progress rapidly, often without warning, even in healthy individuals. The two most severe and common forms of meningococcal disease are meningitis and septicemia.

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a rare disease caused by the mpox virus, which is related to the viruses that cause smallpox and cowpox, but not to chickenpox. Despite the name, “monkeypox,” the exact source of the virus remains unknown.

Mumps is a contagious viral disease spread through coughing, sneezing, and close contact with infected individuals, including regular conversation. The most noticeable symptom is swelling of the salivary glands, which causes the cheeks to puff out.

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. This is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can affect individuals of all ages. It is particularly dangerous for infants, who are at higher risk of complications.

Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae). It spreads through coughing and sneezing and is most common in young children, though older adults are at the highest risk for invasive disease, severe illness, and death.

Polio is a potentially crippling and deadly disease caused by a virus that spreads from person to person. It can invade the brain and spinal cord resulting in paralysis.

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the brain and nerves, often leading to death if left untreated. Globally, it results in more than 70,000 deaths annually. Fortunately, serious health complications from rabies are nearly 100% preventable when treated promptly with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

Rotavirus is a viral infection that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting in young children. If left untreated, it can lead to dehydration, which can be life-threatening.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can cause cold-like symptoms or more severe illness like pneumonia. RSV usually spreads seasonally in the fall and winter, along with influenza (flu) and COVID-19. This virus can be particularly dangerous for infants, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems.

Rubella, also known as German measles, is a contagious viral infection best known by its distinctive red rash. While it is typically mild in children and adults, rubella can be extremely dangerous during pregnancy because it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and several forms of birth defects.

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful skin rash caused by the varicella zoster virus—the same virus that causes chickenpox. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerve roots of the body.