Vaccination is the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves and our children against ill health. They prevent millions of deaths worldwide every year.
Since vaccines were introduced in the UK, diseases like smallpox, polio and tetanus that used to kill or disable millions of people are either gone or are now very rarely seen.
Other diseases like measles and diphtheria have reduced to a very low number of cases each year since vaccines were introduced. These cases are often related to travel.
It’s important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection, but if you or your child have missed a vaccine, contact your GP to catch up.
However, if people stop having vaccines, it’s possible for infectious diseases to quickly spread again.
Find out more about vaccinations and immunisations, including COVID-19, on the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership website.
