It's easy to forget how horrible many childhood diseases were before vaccines were introduced. And it's even easier to forget how much those diseases cost families and society.

The flu vaccine is not perfect, but it has been shown to reduce a person's risk of getting the flu. For children in particular, this can mean avoiding the hospital.

Mothers are the source of over 30 percent of the whooping cough infections in infants. A novel vaccination program took advantage of that fact.

One precursor to cervical cancer are lesions that develop on the cervix from a virus called HPV. But the worst strains of HPV can be prevented with a vaccine.

It makes sense that the vaccine designed to protect kids against measles, mumps and rubella does just that. But it may do even more.

Doctors recommend annual flu shots to help patients stay healthy during flu season. New research suggests that the flu vaccine also might help prevent stroke.

Most people probably associate vaccination with kids getting their shots at regular doctor visits. But adults need to stay up to date with their immunizations too.

The vaccine that prevents whooping cough fades earlier than expected in older children, based on recent research. But what about for babies and toddlers?

One of the best ways to protect children against a wide range of serious diseases is to be sure they are up to date on their immunizations.

Vaccines have made a tremendous difference in reducing the risk of disease in the US. Yet the benefits of vaccines do not mean there are no risks to them.