What are immunizations? Immunizations help keep you and your child from getting certain diseases that can be spread to other people (infectious diseases). They also help reduce the spread of disease to others and prevent epidemics. Immunizations are also called vaccines or vaccinations. If you get a vaccine, it may not...

Your immunity protects both you and your unborn baby (fetus). After you have been immunized (vaccinated) against or infected by a virus or bacteria, your body forms an immunity to it. Full immunity can protect you from future infection, either for a lifetime or a limited period. Partial immunity strengthens how well...

Guides through decision to get the HPV vaccine. Explains the vaccination process. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Cholera vaccine can prevent cholera. Cholera is spread through contaminated food or water. It is not usually spread directly from person to person, but it can be spread through contact with the feces of an infected person. Cholera causes severe diarrhea and vomiting. If it isn’t treated quickly...

Smallpox/monkeypox vaccine (JYNNEOS™) can help protect against smallpox, monkeypox, and other diseases caused by orthopoxviruses, including vaccinia virus. Smallpox is a very serious disease caused by variola virus. Some people continue to be at risk of exposure to the virus that causes smallpox...

Links to information on colds and flu. Covers at-home treatment for cold and flu symptoms, the flu vaccine, prevention of colds and flu, and medicines for the flu.

Provides links to info for parents. Includes information on healthy eating, protecting your child from infections, immunizations, choosing child care, healthy habits for kids, helping your child avoid drugs, and helping your child with stress.

How can you stay healthy on your trip? The best way to stay healthy on your trip is to plan before you go. If you are planning to travel to another country, see a doctor several months before you leave so you will have time for vaccines (immunizations) that you may need to get ahead of time. Also ask your doctor if...

Offers tips to prevent illness and accidental injuries in babies and young children. Covers SIDS. Discusses common safety hazards. Also discusses healthy habits such as safe food preparation, using car seats, and immunizations. Covers safe baby products.

Immunizations save lives. They are the best way to help protect you or your child from getting certain diseases that can be spread to other people (infectious diseases). And there are often no medical treatments for these diseases. They also help reduce the spread of disease to others to prevent sudden outbreaks of the...

Medicines and medical treatments can cause hair loss. Medicines Many medicines that can cause hair loss include: Medicines used to treat cancer ( chemotherapy). Birth control pills. Women who lose hair while taking birth control pills usually have an inherited tendency toward hair thinning. If hair thinning occurs, a...

Provides links to info on child growth and development topics. Also includes links to info on illnesses that might affect a child's health. Topics listed include immunizations, healthy eating for children, and asthma in children.

What is meningitis? Meningitis is inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. It's usually caused by an infection. The infection occurs most often in children, teens, and young adults. Also at risk are older adults and people who have long-term health problems, such as a weakened immune system. There...

Offers links to information on health screenings and on reducing risk factors for injury and disease.

Provides links to topics that cover common parenting questions about infant and toddler health. Includes info on how to stop thumb-sucking, how to manage an episode of croup, and whether to give your child antibiotics for an ear infection.

Provides links to how-to information on special health concerns of seniors. Includes healthy aging, sexuality, hearing loss, osteoporosis, and walking for fitness. Also covers writing an advance directive.

Provides links to how-to information about teen health. Includes info on acne, bullying, depression, headaches, and tobacco use. Covers talking with your teen about sex and responding to substance use. Also covers anorexia and bulimia.