Vaccines
Many deadly diseases can be prevented through vaccination (Minnesota Department of Health, 2026). Immunization is a key function of public health organizations to provide individual and herd immunity. Heard immunity is when a large number of people receive protection from a disease so it no longer spreads easily and therefore protects population health (Cleaveland Clinic, 2025).
Watch An Introduction to Vaccines (7 min).
This video describes how vaccines work and why they are a powerful tool to protect population health (Let’s Learn Public Health, 2025).
Bookmark Diseases Prevented by Vaccines.
Learn more about each vaccine preventable disease via this list (Minnesota Department of Health, 2026).
Bookmark Resources for Health Care Providers.
This site offers resources for healthcare providers including training on vaccine administration training, storage, handling and safety, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations, travel information, and vaccine catch-up guidance (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026).
Childhood Vaccines
The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program is a federally funded program that provides childhood vaccines to children who otherwise may not be able to receive vaccines due to financial reasons. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention purchases vaccines and distributes them to states and territorial public health agencies. States and territories distribute vaccines to local providers and public health clinics to vaccinate eligible children (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026).
Complete Vaccines for Children (25 min).
This learning module provides an overview of the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026). Once on the webpage, scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Continue” to access the course.
Note: the CDC offers contact hours for this module. Contact hours/credits will not be awarded through the New to Public Health Residency Program.
This is a visual chart of which vaccines are required for children and adolescents (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2026).
Adult Vaccines
Adult vaccination helps prevent serious illness and complications from vaccine-preventable diseases, with recommended vaccines varying by age, health conditions, occupation, pregnancy, travel, and previous vaccination history.
Bookmark Recommended Vaccinations for Adults.
This is a list of which vaccines are recommended for adults (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025).
Travel Vaccines
International travel increases your chances of getting and spreading diseases that are rare or not found in United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026).
Bookmark examples of travel vaccines.
This resource provides advice about which vaccines are needed for international travel and where to get travel vaccines (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026)