Diseases Prevented by Vaccines

This information is adapted from the Michigan Department of Community Health brochure "Immunize Your Little Michigander".

  1. Pertussis
  2. Polio
  3. Measles
  4. Mumps
  5. Rubella
  6. Haemophilus Influenzae Type B
  7. Hepatitis B
  8. Tetanus
  9. Diphtheria
  10. Chickenpox (Varicella)
  11. Pneumococcal Infection

Pertussis (whooping cough) may be mild or serious and is easily passed from person to person.  Pertussis can cause spells of coughing and choking that make it hard to eat, drink or breathe.  The coughing can last for weeks.

Pertussis is most dangerous to babies under one year old.  Babies with pertussis are so sick, nearly half must go into the hospital. About one baby in 100 with pertussis either dies or is left with permanent brain injury.  Serious illness is less likely in older children and adults.