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Immunization

giving a vaccination
Vaccines play an important role in keeping us healthy. They protect us from serious and sometimes deadly diseases.1

1. Vaccine Basics. US Dept of Health and Human Services. 11/9/22.

Why It's Important

Vaccines have significantly reduced diseases that once routinely harmed or killed infants, children, and adults. However, people worldwide -- including in the United States -- still become seriously ill or die from diseases that vaccines can prevent.2 Vaccination is recognized as one of the Ten Great Public Health Achievements of the 20th century.3

2. Vaccines and the Diseases They Prevent. CDC. 8/10/24.
3. Ten Great Public Health Achievements -- United States, 1900-1999. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 1999;48(12);241-243. 4/2/99.

What's Known

Staying up to date on recommended vaccines is the best way to protect against diseases like chickenpox, COVID-19, dengue, diphtheria, influenza, hepatitis A and B, human papillomavirus (HPV), measles, meningococcal, Mpox, mumps, pneumococcal, polio, rotavirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rubella, shingles, tetanus, and whooping cough.4 Vaccines are safe and effective and may be required for work, school, for travel, or other activities.5

4. Vaccines by Age. CDC. 8/14/24.
5. 5 Reasons It Is Important for Adults to Get Vaccinated. CDC. 7/1/24.

Who's at Risk

People at increased risk for certain diseases may need additional vaccines. High-risk groups include gay or bisexual men, health care workers, military personnel, individuals with long-term health conditions, pregnant women, travelers, and people who inject drugs.6

6. Immunization: Who and When. US Dept of Health and Human Services. 5/11/21.

How to Reduce Risk

Vaccination is recommended for everyone, starting at birth. Following the recommended vaccine schedules for young children, teens, and adults provides the best protection from potentially serious diseases.7 People at higher risk for certain diseases should consult their health care provider about additional vaccines to ensure optimal protection.

7. Vaccine Schedules For You and Your Family. CDC. 11/22/24.

How It's Tracked

Immunization coverage is tracked at the national and state levels primarily through two CDC surveys: In New Jersey, the New Jersey Immunization Information System (NJIIS) maintains immunization histories for residents of all ages. NJIIS is populated with birth records for infants and immunization records from both public and private healthcare providers. Currently, participation in NJIIS is mandatory only for practitioners who immunize children under seven years of age or who participate in New Jersey's Vaccine for Children Program. As a result, state-level immunization data may have limitations.

Other Data and Information Resources

New Jersey Department of Health

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services