Immunization Branch

Vaccine Facts: What You Need to Know

Key Takeaways

Vaccines:

Are safe and effective.
Carefully tested.
May cause mild side effects that don't last long.
Act as a tool to help your body fight diseases.

2 adults, one child, one elderly woman smiling with their sleeves rolled up, pointing to a bandaid

Vaccines protect your health and the health of your community. They work by boosting your immune system so you can fight off diseases and prevent yourself from becoming seriously ill.

Vaccines are safe, effective and greatly reduce diseases, disability and death. They're one of the greatest public health inventions and have saved millions of lives around the world over the last 50 years.

Some people may feel unsure about vaccines because of myths or rumors. But the fact is vaccines are an important preventive health measure in keeping you and your family safe. Here are six facts to help clear up common myths.