FAQs
Q. How Do Vaccines Work?
A. Parents are constantly concerned about the health and safety of their children and they take many steps to protect them. These preventive measures range from childproof door latches to child safety seats. In the same respect, vaccines work to safeguard children from illnesses and death caused by infectious diseases. Vaccines protect children by helping prepare their bodies to fight often serious, and potentially, deadly diseases. See More
Q. Why are Childhood Vaccines So Important?
A. If a child is not vaccinated and is exposed to a disease germ, the child’s body may not be strong enough to fight the disease. Before vaccines, many children died from diseases that vaccines now prevent, such as whooping cough, measles, and polio. Those same germs exist today, but vaccines now protect babies, so we do not see these diseases as often. See More
Q. What would happen if we stopped immunizations?
A. In the U.S., vaccines have reduced or eliminated many infectious diseases that once routinely killed or harmed many infants, children, and adults. However, the viruses and bacteria that cause vaccine-preventable disease and death still exist and can be passed on to people who are not protected by vaccines. Vaccine-preventable diseases have many social and economic costs: sick children miss school and can cause parents to lose time from work. These diseases also result in visits to your medical provider, hospitalizations, and even premature deaths. See More
Q. What about the safety of vaccines?
A. Vaccines Are Safe. Vaccines are held to the highest standard of safety. The United States currently has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in history. The law requires years of testing before a vaccine can be licensed. Once in use, vaccines are continually monitored for safety and efficacy. See More
Q. What additives are in vaccines?
A. Chemicals are used in food and medicines to prevent the growth of harmful germs and reduce spoilage; in vaccines, chemical compounds are used to inactivate (kill) a virus or bacteria or stabilize it, helping to preserve the vaccine and keep it effective and sterile. Chemical components used as preservatives in vaccines occur in very small quantities, far too small to provoke a serious allergic response in most people. Almost all childhood vaccines are Thimerosal free. See More