× The federal government has shut down due to the failures of the President and Congress to continue government funding. Millions of Californians receiving benefits from state programs may be impacted. For now, California’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will continue to provide services and enroll eligible families as long as funding is available. No new federal funding to California WIC will be provided until the President and Congress take action. Families should continue to use their WIC benefits and attend their WIC appointments. This information is subject to change, so please monitor the California WIC website for updates.

Please be wary of potential highly partisan political messaging while visiting federal government websites for information related to the federal government shutdown.

Skip Navigation LinksVaccine-Facts-What-You-Need-to-Know

Top Menu

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.  ​

Resources/Sources:  



​​
Page Last Updated :