Many serious illnesses can be avoided through simple, effective measures. Yet, many preventable diseases still impact millions of people each year. Whether it’s vaccine-preventable diseases or other illnesses, understanding how prevention works is key to living a healthier life and protecting people around the world.
In this article, preventable diseases are explored, common vaccine-preventable conditions are explained, and proactive steps to safeguard your health are discussed.
Preventable diseases are illnesses that can be avoided through medical interventions (like vaccines), behavioral changes, or early detection. These conditions account for a significant portion of global mortality, despite many being manageable or entirely avoidable with current public health strategies.[1]
There are two main types of preventable diseases:
This article focuses on vaccine-preventable diseases, which affect communities worldwide.
Vaccines are one of the most effective tools in modern medicine. They work by training the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens without causing illness. This protects individuals and reduces disease spread through herd immunity, a form of indirect protection that occurs when enough people are vaccinated.[2]
Since their introduction, global rates of once-deadly diseases have dropped dramatically. For example, measles deaths worldwide have decreased significantly, and vaccines prevented more than 60 million deaths between 2000 and 2023.[3]
Vaccines currently help prevent more than 20 potentially life-threatening diseases, according to the World Health Organization.[4]
Many of these diseases, such as measles and pertussis, are highly contagious and can lead to severe complications or death—particularly in vulnerable populations like infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.[5]
Vaccination is important for people of all ages. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides recommended immunization schedules for:[6]
People with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems may need tailored vaccine plans. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
Despite their proven effectiveness, not everyone gets vaccinated. Common barriers include:[7]
Organizations such as the CDC, WHO, and UNICEF coordinate vaccination programs that save millions of lives each year. These initiatives distribute vaccines, provide education, and monitor disease outbreaks.
Notable successes include:[8]
Despite progress, preventable diseases continue to resurface. In the US, measles outbreaks have occurred in under-vaccinated communities, highlighting the need for high vaccination coverage.[9]
In the United States, all 50 states require certain vaccines for school entry. However, state data shows disparities in vaccination rates. Rural areas often experience lower uptake, leaving communities vulnerable during outbreaks.[10]
Pneumococcal diseases remain one of the leading causes of vaccine-preventable death in US adults, particularly among seniors and those with chronic health conditions.[11]
Preventing disease is not only about protecting yourself—it also strengthens community health. Here’s what you can do:
<dt>What are examples of vaccine-preventable diseases?</dt>
<dd>Measles, mumps, rubella, HPV, polio, and chickenpox are common examples.<sup>[4]</sup></dd>
<dt>Why are some diseases called vaccine-preventable?</dt>
<dd>These diseases can be avoided or significantly reduced through timely immunization.<sup>[2]</sup></dd>
<dt>Who needs to be vaccinated?</dt>
<dd>Everyone—especially children, seniors, healthcare workers, and people with chronic conditions.<sup>[2]</sup></dd>
<dt>How do vaccines help prevent infectious diseases?</dt>
<dd>Vaccines train your immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens before illness occurs.<sup>[2]</sup></dd>
Vaccines play a crucial role in preventing illness, but they are just one part of your overall health picture. Everlywell offers easy, at-home lab tests to help you monitor key health indicators—from vitamin D to immune markers—to empower you to take charge of your wellness.
With the right information and timely action, many diseases can be prevented or managed before they become serious. Prevention starts with awareness, and Everlywell is here to help every step of the way.