Vaccine safety

There are common misconceptions about vaccines that still exist today. You may see claims that vaccines are not safe, cause serious side effects and long-term diseases, contain poisons, pose greater risks than the diseases they can prevent, and can be substituted by natural medicines that can provide safer protection. Scientific research shows that these statements are not true.

The safety of vaccines is strictly regulated and enforced in the United States and around the world. This ensures that our vaccines are both safe and effective. It is extremely rare to have a serious side effect caused by a vaccine. There is no scientific evidence that vaccines cause long-term diseases. In fact, studies have shown that vaccines do not cause autism, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, brain damage, asthma, or sudden infant death syndrome.

Because all routine vaccines are very safe, there are rarely reasons not to be vaccinated. However, keep a few facts in mind:

• If your child has an allergic reaction to a vaccine, such as breathing problems or severe swelling of the skin or mouth, talk to your doctor before the child receives another shot.
• With any vaccine, there may be some redness, swelling, or pain in the area where the needle went into the skin.
• Some children may have a fever after they get the shot. Ask your child's doctor what to give your child to reduce the fever or pain.
• If your child is very sick when it's time to vaccinate, talk to your doctor.

If you have questions about vaccines or your child's health, talk to your child's doctor or public health nurse.