The mission of every Infectious Awareables tie is to generate interest, discussion, even excitement about serious public health issues such as this silk Vaccine tie in black. Believing that humor can be a powerful educational tool, Infectious Awareables neckties take an atypical, slightly irreverent approach to some very serious subjects. Shop and take pride in knowing that a portion of the proceeds will be donated to disease research/education. "Start the Conversation!" VACCINATION is the introduction of an antigen (VACCINE) in order to produce immunity to a disease. Since development of the first vaccine (cowpox, a precursor of smallpox, which was officially eradicated in 1977), the list of vaccine-preventable diseases has grown significantly. Today, such public health menaces as measles, mumps, hepatitis A/B, chickenpox, pneumonia, meningitis, polio and influenza are all controllable – some, e.g. polio and measles, actually within reach of eradication. VACCINATION and increased VACCINE DEVELOPMENT are generally considered the most effective methods of preventing infectious disease worldwide. Our design illustrates antigens triggering protective antibody production. A vaccination needle is discretely positioned at the lower border of the design. A back-of-tie "Awareness Note" and a source citation are incorporated in the pattern design, which reads: "VACCINES are developed by using specific antigens to trigger production of antibodies which then bind to the antigens and allow the immune system to protect against future infection. VACCINATION is considered the most effective method of preventing infectious disease worldwide." "Design illustrates antigens, antibody production and vaccination needle - all part of the process to create immunity." Note: IA contributes a portion of proceeds to research, education or support associated with important non-profit public health agencies and organizations. For more about vaccination and its public health potential, visit: www.GatesFoundation.org
