Vaccines are one of the greatest Public Health successes in the 20th Century. They are important to having healthy communities here in Nevada and around the world. Many diseases that were once very common, like polio, only exist in some parts of the world. It is important to remember that the viruses and bacteria that cause vaccine-preventable diseases still exist in the world. Because of world travel these diseases can be brought back to the United States, leaving those who are unvaccinated at risk.
As parents, there are a lot of responsibilities to keep your family safe and healthy. You have the power to protect your children and family from dangerous and sometimes life-threatening illnesses. We want you to have all the facts and make an informed decision on what is best for you and your family.
Not only are vaccines important to keeping our families healthy but they are important for our community as well. Vaccines help to improve the health of our communities. They prevent people from getting sick and stop the spread of disease. People who are not immunized are left at risk for illness and spreading disease.
Choosing to vaccinate protects those around us. This is called herd immunity. Herd immunity happens when a majority of a community is immunized which inhibits outbreaks and limits the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases. Herd immunity protects those who cannot receive vaccines themselves such as pregnant women, infants, or those who are immunocompromised.
Vaccines save lives.