Here are 5 reasons that vaccines are important: • Vaccines save lives. In the last 50 years, vaccines have saved more lives than any other form of medical intervention. Before these vaccines, many people suffered from complications that are now prevented. • There are vaccine-preventable diseases affecting people. Many of these diseases are rare in the U.S. because of widespread vaccinations. Some of these diseases are still present in the U.S. and can become epidemic problems if vaccination rates drop. Whooping cough and measles outbreaks are still possible. • Vaccines protect everyone. Vaccines protect the people who are vaccinated and those around them. When more people are vaccinated, it is more difficult for diseases to spread. Someone who cannot become infected cannot spread the disease. • Vaccines protect future generations. Vaccines have wiped out diseases that have devastated people in the past. There will be others that are wiped out in the future. Vaccines reduce antibiotic use and resistance. When people are protected against viral and bacterial infections, they will need fewer antibiotics to fight off infections.