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Vaccine Safety

Vaccines, given on time, protect people. They provide immunity before exposure to deadly diseases. The nation's vaccine safety system is long-standing. It ensures that U.S. vaccines are the safest in the world. Vaccines, developed in the 18th century, have saved millions of lives. They have also protected many from disease and disability. And, from disfigurement.

With so much info about vaccines, you may wonder, "Are they safe?" It's crucial to know the facts before deciding on your or your family's health.

The resources below provide accurate info about vaccines and how they work. They present a balanced view of the benefits and risks of immunization. This helps you make informed decisions. They also discuss vaccines' safety and effectiveness. Your healthcare provider is the most trusted source on immunizations.

• Making the Vaccine Decision: Addressing Common Concerns
• Vaccines for Your Children
• Shot by Shot: Stories of Vaccine Preventable Diseases by the People Most Affected
• Vaccine Safety Profiles and Information Statements
• Common Vaccine Safety Questions and Concerns
• 14 Diseases You Almost Forgot About Thanks to Vaccines
• The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)
• Vaccine Conversations: short videos on common vaccine topics and questions, their safety, and the science behind them.

Finding Credible Vaccine Information on the Web

Some websites spread unbalanced and alarming views on vaccines. This has fueled fears about their safety and doubts about their effectiveness. Before trusting vaccine info on the Internet, check its source. It should be credible and regularly updated. Here are some sources of credible vaccine information:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC's immunization web content is researched and approved by health experts. Content is based on science and the site is frequently updated. Most pages are reviewed yearly.
• World Health Organization’s Vaccine Safety Net.  Vaccine safety websites that meet good information practices criteria.
• HealthyChildren.org. HealthyChildren.org was developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It gives families accurate, up-to-date info on immunizations.
• Immunization Action Coalition. The Immunization Action Coalition is a leader in immunization education. It provides timely, accurate, and information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent.
• The Vaccine Education Center. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has reliable, up-to-date vaccine info for parents and healthcare pros. The Center aims to dispel common vaccine myths and misinformation.

Evaluating Online Immunization Information

If you seek vaccine info online, are the sites credible? Check these sources for guidance:

• The Immunization Action Coalition suggests questions to ask when evaluating online health info.
• The National Network for Immunization Information has guidelines for evaluating web-based immunization information.
• The UCSF's Evaluating Health Information page lists "Red Flags" that every consumer must know.

The Internet is a good tool for researching immunization information, but it should not replace a talk with your trusted healthcare professional.