Vaccine-preventable diseases are at an all time low, saving untold numbers of lives and millions of dollars in health care costs in Missouri, but this doesn’t mean they have disappeared. Many viruses and bacteria are still circulating and are simply one vacation away, whether going to a foreign country or another state. This is why it is important for all people, young and old, to receive all recommended immunizations on time.

People must receive immunizations before vaccines can work. For instance, Missouri has not had a case of diphtheria in over 28 years, yet influenza and pneumonia are still the eighth leading cause of death in the state; all three diseases are preventable. Missouri’s immunization program is working with public and private health care providers to immunize all of Missouri’s citizens. An important part of this effort is to ensure that immunizations are available to those who have no way to pay for them, including children and adolescents through the Vaccines for Children Program, and adults.