Feature
ImmuNYze for Life: A Campaign to
ImmuNYze all New Yorkers
I
mmunizations are not just for children. Whether you are 18 or 81, you need vaccines
throughout your life to stay healthy.
All adults need immunizations to help them prevent getting and spreading serious diseases
that could result in poor health, missed work, medical bills and not being able to care for
family. In the U.S., vaccines have greatly reduced or eliminated many infectious diseases that
once routinely killed or harmed many infants, children and adults. However, the viruses and
bacteria that cause vaccine-preventable disease and death still exist and can be passed on to
people who are not protected by vaccines.
Vaccines are as important to your overall health as diet and
exercise.
Like eating healthy foods, exercising and getting regular check-ups, vaccines play a vital role
in keeping you healthy. Vaccines are one of the most convenient and safest preventive care
measures available.
You May Be at Risk for Serious Disease
“Some people in your family, community
or workplace may not be able to get certain
vaccines due to their age or health condition
so they rely on you to help prevent the spread
of disease.”
Every year thousands of adults in the U.S. still suffer serious illness,
are hospitalized and even die due to diseases for which vaccines are
available.
Even if you were fully vaccinated as a child, the protection from some
vaccines you received can wear off. You may also be at risk for other
diseases due to your job, lifestyle, travel or health conditions.
You Can Protect Yourself, Your Loved Ones and
Community from Disease
Vaccines can lower your chance of getting certain diseases. Vaccines work with the body’s
natural defenses to safely develop immunity to disease and lower your chances of getting
certain diseases. Vaccines also lower your chance of spreading disease. Some people in your
family, community or workplace may not be able to get certain vaccines due to their age
or health condition so they rely on you to help prevent the spread of disease. Infants, older
adults and people with weakened immune systems (like those undergoing cancer treatment)
are especially vulnerable to infectious disease.
You Can’t Afford to Get Sick
You have a busy life and too much responsibility to risk getting sick. Vaccines can help you
stay healthy so you don’t miss work and you have time for your family, friends and hobbies.
Getting your recommended vaccines can give you the peace of mind that you have the best
possible protection available against serious diseases.
Vaccines are very safe
Vaccines are tested and monitored. Vaccines go through years of testing before being
licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Both the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) and FDA continue to monitor vaccines for safety after
they are licensed.
(See ImmuNYze for Life on page 10)
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Adviser a publication of LeadingAge New York | Spring 2017