04/06/2026
Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases can and do still happen in communities across the US. Vaccines have greatly reduced infectious diseases that once regularly harmed or killed many infants, children, and adults. However, the germs that cause vaccine-preventable disease still exist and can be spread to people who are not protected by vaccines. For example, even though measles was declared to be eliminated from the U.S. in 2000, it has returned due to the rise in the number of children who aren’t protected by the MMR vaccination, leading to a number of outbreaks in recent years. In 2025, the United States reported a total of 2,283 confirmed measles cases.
Vaccination is important because it not only protects the person who gets the vaccine but also helps to keep diseases from spreading to others, like family members, neighbors, classmates, and other members of your communities.
For questions or to schedule vaccinations for your child, call your local IHC (indianahealthonline.org/our-locations).