The body’s immune system helps protect against pathogens that cause infection. Most of the time, it’s an efficient system. It either keeps microorganisms out or tracks them down and gets rid of them.

However, some pathogens can overwhelm the immune system. When this happens, it can cause serious illness.

The pathogens most likely to cause problems are the ones the body doesn’t recognize. Vaccination is a way to “teach” the immune system how to recognize and eliminate an organism. That way, your body is prepared if you’re ever exposed.

Vaccinations are an important form of primary prevention. That means they can protect people from getting sick. Vaccinations have allowed us to control diseases that once threatened many lives, such as:

·        measles
·        polio
·        tetanus
·        whooping cough

It’s important that as many people as possible get vaccinated. Vaccinations don’t just protect individuals. When enough people are vaccinated, it helps protect society.

This occurs through herd immunity. Widespread vaccinations make it less likely that a susceptible person will come into contact with someone who has a particular disease.

Travel Vaccinations
Before you leave, it is important to research every country you will visit, and to get advice that is tailored to your health needs. The risk of acquiring an infection and the appropriate preventative measures can be different for older travellers, children, pregnant women or those with underlying chronic diseases.

While you are away, there are some things you need to keep in mind to prevent illness, like preventing insect bites and being careful of what you eat.

When you return, keep an eye on your health. Some diseases may not become apparent until you have returned home and could spread to your loved ones.

Please refer to [Smartraveller](http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/) for more information