More than 9,000 people contracted whooping cough in California in 2010. It was the worst outbreak of the disease, also called pertussis, since 1947 in that state.

Doctors often tell their patients to get the flu shot. But how many healthcare professionals are taking that step themselves?

One of the more disabling and fatal bacterial illnesses is meningitis. There are vaccines to protect against many meningitis strains, but not all of them — yet.

Even though the flu is a common illness each winter, that doesn't mean it's not a dangerous one. Children with certain chronic conditions are especially prone to complications from influenza.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend several vaccines for children to prevent infectious diseases. These diseases range from measles and whooping cough to polio and meningitis.

Cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, have been increasing in recent years in the US. The CDC recommends the pertussis vaccine to protect children and adults from the disease.

As new and better vaccines are developed, they must be tested for safety and effectiveness. New vaccines for children must also be tested along with currently available vaccines.

With autumn right around the corner, flu season is lurking around the bend. Now is a good time to make plans to protect your family from the flu.

One of the childhood vaccinations recommended by the CDC is the one for pneumococcal bacteria. This bacteria can cause some types of meningitis.

The best way to avoid the negative effects of an infectious disease is to avoid getting the disease in the first place. That is exactly what keeping up with your vaccinations is intended to do.