The CDC and the FDA work hand in hand to monitor the effectiveness and safety of vaccines. Learn about the protections in place to maintain vaccine safety.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 150 related viruses, each corresponding with a unique number to denote the HPV type. The CDC estimates that 14 million people are infected with HPV each year. Although most cases of HPV can be resolved without medical intervention, in some instances the virus can lead to more significant complications, like cancer.
Thanks to advances in vaccine medicine, we live in a world where our immune systems can be taught to fight off a disease before we fall ill. As adults age, however, their immune systems begin to weaken, limiting the response to infectious bacteria and viruses in their bodies.
The CDC recommends that children receive the first dose of the MMR vaccination from 12-15 months, and the second dose at 4-6 years. Adults born after 1956 who have not been vaccinated should receive at least one dose of the vaccine, but how does it protect us?
DTaP is a vaccine given to infants and young children and is administered in 5 separate shots. Licensed in 2005, the CDC estimates that these vaccines will prevent 732,000 deaths of children born between 1994 and 2013. The vaccination protects against Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis.