Many diseases have vaccines that help prevent infection or lessen its severity. Vaccines work by preparing the body's immune system to fight off specific diseases. The list below showcases examples of vaccine-preventable diseases, but it is not exhaustive. Many other diseases have vaccines available, and new vaccines are continually being developed.
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:
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Viral Diseases:
- COVID-19: A highly contagious viral illness. (Source: Multiple references)
- Influenza (Flu): An annual vaccine is recommended to protect against circulating flu strains. (Source: Multiple references)
- Measles: A highly contagious viral disease. (Source: https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/immunization/diseases-and-vaccines)
- Mumps: Another highly contagious viral illness. (Source: https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/immunization/diseases-and-vaccines)
- Polio: A potentially debilitating viral disease, largely eradicated through vaccination efforts. (Source: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Vaccination-Protects-Against-These-Diseases.aspx)
- Hepatitis A: A vaccine exists to prevent infection. (Source: Multiple references)
- Hepatitis B: A vaccine protects against this liver infection. (Source: Multiple references)
- Hepatitis D: A vaccine can help prevent this serious liver infection, especially in combination with the Hepatitis B vaccine. (Source: Multiple references)
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A vaccine is available to protect against certain strains associated with cancer. (Source: Multiple references)
- Chickenpox: A common childhood illness preventable through vaccination. (Source: https://www.chop.edu/vaccine-education-center/science-history/vaccine-history/developments-by-year)
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Bacterial Diseases:
- Diphtheria: A serious bacterial infection. (Source: Multiple references)
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough): A highly contagious respiratory infection. (Source: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/wellness/vaccines, https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization/vpd.htm)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): A vaccine protects against severe bacterial infections. (Source: Multiple references)
- Pneumococcal Disease: A vaccine protects against serious pneumococcal infections. (Source: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization/vpd.htm)
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Other Diseases:
- Rabies: A vaccine can prevent this deadly virus transmitted through animal bites. (Source: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/by-disease/index.html)
This list is not exhaustive; many other diseases have vaccines available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) websites offer comprehensive information on vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases.
