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An immunization, also called a vaccination, is a way to keep you from getting a disease. The medicine causes your body to make antibodies that can then recognize and fight the illness if you are later exposed to it.

Besides keeping you from getting sick, immunizations also help reduce the spread of disease to others and prevent epidemics.

Current as of: February 9, 2016

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MD, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics