Immunizations, also called shots or needles, help save lives, prevent serious illnesses, and are recognized as one of the most effective public health interventions. Immunizations help the body make its own protection (or antibodies) against certain diseases. Immunizations are given against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, polio, haemophilus influenzae type b (HIB), measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). Immunizations may also be given against hepatitis, influenza, chicken pox, meningococcal disease (meningitis) , pneumococcal disease (pneumonia) and the Human Papilomavirus (HPV). There are also a number of vaccines for other circumstances, for example people traveling to a country with diseases that are not common in Canada, such as typhoid fever.