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?

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.

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.

All types of preventive medicine offer benefits and risks, and vaccines are no exception. But often, the risks related to getting a disease may be greater than the risks of the vaccine.

Most people get the flu vaccine for the obvious reason: to protect them from the flu. But there may be other benefits to the shot as well.

Vaccines protect people from diseases. Pregnant women who get vaccinated can pass on that protection to their developing babies. And it seems some of that protection may last even after birth.