Stand Together to Protect Us All – Get Immunized

What is Community Immunity?

Community (or herd) immunity helps slow down and stop the spread of disease among people. Community immunity only works when most people in the community have immunity to the disease. People become immune by getting vaccinated or by having had the disease. For some diseases, like pertussis (whooping cough) and measles, at least 9 out of 10 of us must have immunity to keep the diseases from spreading. Community immunity protects us all.

Who depends on Community Immunity?

We all do, but especially those who can’t fight diseases or are not immune. When you choose to immunize yourself and your family, you also help protect others at risk, like:

• Infants and the elderly who cannot get vaccines because they are too young or too old.
• People with weak immune systems, like those with heart disease of cancer.
• People who are not fully immunized.

Does My Community Have Immunity?

Ask your child care, preschool, or school about their immunization rates.

Immunize your child on time. Make sure you and your child’s caregivers get immunized too.

Speak up by telling others that your child is fully immunized. Make sure your
friends and neighbors know about the risks of not immunizing and the benefits
of community immunity.

Learn more:

• How Community Immunity works
• Reliable vaccine sources
• Immunization information and more

To find an immunization clinic near you, contact:

• The Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588 Or
• Find an immunization clinic

Protect your child. Protect your community. Vaccinate.