Vaccine Safety
We all need vaccines throughout our lives to help protect against serious diseases. Every year, tens of thousands of Americans get sick from diseases that could be prevented by vaccines. Immunization is our best protection against these diseases. Vaccines are recommended for children, teens, and adults based on different factors like age, health conditions, lifestyle, jobs, and travel.
CDC and FDA are committed to ensuring that all vaccines are safe and effective. Before a vaccine is approved for use in the U.S., it goes through years of careful testing to make sure it is safe and effective and to determine whether health problems are caused by vaccines. Highly trained scientists and doctors at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) evaluate the results of these clinical studies. FDA also inspects the sites where vaccines are made to make sure they follow strict manufacturing guidelines.
Once a vaccine is licensed, FDA and CDC continue to monitor its use and make sure there are no safety concerns. Data shows that the current U.S. vaccine supply is the safest in history. Like any medication, vaccines can cause side effects. In most cases, side effects are mild (e.g., soreness where the shot was given) but go away within a few days. Severe, long-lasting side effects from vaccines are rare.
Safety Information by Vaccine
Get the latest safety information from CDC on recommended U.S. vaccines – safety studies, common side effects, vaccine information statements and more.
Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccines
Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis Vaccinest
Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib) Vaccines
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccines
Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV) Vaccines
Common Vaccine Safety Questions and Concerns
Each of us is our own best health advocate. Many times, our loved ones depend on us for information and protection too. With so much information – and sometimes incorrect information – available today, learning the facts before making health decisions is very important.
For more information on vaccine safety Visit CDC.gov
Not sure what vaccines you need?
Get a quick online visit with a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider who is trained in all sorts of vaccinations to learn which vaccines you and your family needs to remain healthy.
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