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The
greatest
public health success story

Let's protect

As parents, our greatest hope is to keep our children safe, healthy, and happy. It's completely normal to have questions—especially when it comes to decisions about their health. That's why we're here: to offer clear, compassionate, and trustworthy information about childhood vaccines.

This information is evidence-based and supported by an entire network of practicing pediatricians caring for families on a daily basis. Just think—this is something many of our own parents never had to question. But today, with so much information out there, it's okay to pause, ask questions, and learn.

before vaccines

1 in 5 children died before their fifth birthday In the early 1900s, before vaccines were widely available, nearly 1 in 5 children in the U.S. died before their fifth birthday—often from infectious diseases we can now prevent. Measles, diphtheria, polio, and whooping cough were devastatingly common.

of vaccines

Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools in modern medicine—and one of the greatest public health success stories in history. Here’s what they’ve done:

Saved millions of lives

Vaccines prevent an estimated 4 million child deaths every year around the world. Between 2021 and 2030, they're expected to prevent over 50 million deaths globally. The measles vaccine alone has saved more than 90 million lives in the last 50 years—especially in regions like Africa and Southeast Asia, where access to care can be limited.

Protected entire communities

When most people in a community are vaccinated, it helps prevent disease from spreading—this is called herd immunity. It protects newborns, people with weakened immune systems, and those who can't receive certain vaccines for medical reasons. Your child's vaccination helps shield others you love. But it's important to remember: herd immunity only works when enough people participate. Relying on others' immunity is risky—we're all in this together.

Made rare what was once common

Thanks to vaccines, diseases like polio, measles, diphtheria, and Hib, which once caused widespread death and disability, are now rare or eliminated in the U.S. What used to be part of everyday life is now something many young families have never encountered—and that's the power of prevention.

Saved families time, money, and heartache

Preventing illness doesn't just protect your child's health—it also protects your family's well-being. Visits to the hospital or doctor, missed school and work days can take a heavy emotional and financial toll.

Past threats

Thanks to vaccines, diseases such as polio, measles, diphtheria, and Hib—which once caused widespread illness and death—are now rare or eliminated in the U.S. However, in communities with higher numbers of unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals, these diseases have started to reappear, sometimes leading to outbreaks.

Protecting
our children

Vaccines work with your child's natural defenses to build protection against serious diseases without them ever having to get sick.

Think of it like a training exercise for their immune system. Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect your child from serious diseases.

Concerns you have

Many parents have similar questions. Let’s walk through some of the most common concerns:

Are vaccines safe? I've heard about serious side effects.

Vaccine safety is the top priority in the medical community. Before any vaccine is approved, it goes through many years of careful testing by scientists and doctors. Once approved, its safety is continuously monitored.

Serious side effects from vaccines are very rare but minor side effects, like a sore arm or a low-grade fever, are common and show that your child's immune system is building protection.

Hundreds of millions of doses of vaccines have been administered in the United States and the safety record is excellent.

The vaccine schedule has increased dramatically since I was born

It's true—children do receive more vaccines now than in the past. That’s because medical science has developed safe and effective vaccines to prevent illnesses that once caused serious complications, hospitalizations, and even death. Diseases like meningitis, pneumonia, and sepsis are now far less common thanks to newer vaccines such as pneumococcal, meningococcal, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), which were introduced after many of us were children. The current schedule is built on decades of research to ensure children are protected at the ages when they are most at risk.

I'm worried about vaccine ingredients.

Vaccine ingredients are present in very small, safe amounts, often less than what your body naturally produces or encounters in daily life. Misinformation about ingredients can be scary. The scientific consensus is clear: the trace amounts of these ingredients in vaccines are safe and necessary to make the vaccines work effectively. The potential harm from these trace ingredients is infinitely smaller than the proven dangers of the diseases they prevent but we understand that this complicates the decision for parents.

Why give them so many vaccines at once?

The tiny amounts of antigens (the parts of the germ that trigger an immune response) in vaccines are far less than what a child encounters naturally.

Giving many vaccines at once helps protect kids from sickness when they are most likely to get sick, and when it's safe to give the shots. Getting them together or separately doesn't change how often kids have side effects. Also, vaccines that combine several protections are tested together to make sure they still work well and don't cause more side effects.

These diseases are so rare now, do my children really need vaccines? I only want the most necessary vaccines.

It's a common and understandable thought, but it's a bit like saying, "we don't need seatbelts anymore because car accidents are less common." The safety comes from the protective measure. The reason these diseases are rare is because of vaccines. If we stop vaccinating, these diseases can quickly return. We've seen this happen with measles outbreaks in communities with low vaccination rates.

For example, in 2025, the United States experienced its largest measles outbreak in more than 30 years, with over 760 cases in Texas alone. Nearly 96% of those affected were under-immunized, leading to more than 170 hospitalizations—including one in five children under the age of five.

I believe in natural remedies.

While a healthy lifestyle is important, it cannot fully protect against highly contagious and dangerous diseases like measles or polio. Vaccines train your immune system to recognize and fight off specific viruses and bacteria that can cause severe illness, something natural remedies cannot replicate. The historical data on childhood deaths before vaccines clearly shows that a strong immune system alone was not enough to prevent widespread illness and death from these diseases.

Do vaccines cause autism?

This is one of the most common questions parents ask. The short answer is no—vaccines do not cause autism. The idea started in 1998 with a small study involving only 12 children that suggested a link between the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine and autism. That study was later proven to be fraudulent, retracted by the medical journal, and the author lost his medical license. Since then, researchers all over the world have looked closely at this question. Large studies following hundreds of thousands, and even millions of children show the same result, that there is no connection between vaccines and autism.

  • In Denmark, a study of over 650,000 children found no difference in autism rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated kids (Hviid et al., Ann Intern Med, 2019).
  • A review of studies involving more than 1.2 million children also found no link (Taylor et al., Vaccine, 2014).
  • Most recently, in 2025, a new Danish study of 1.2 million children looked at 50 different health outcomes—including autism—and again found no increased risk from vaccines or vaccine ingredients (Statens Serum Institut, Ann Intern Med, 2025).

We now know that autism begins very early in brain development, often before a baby is even born. Genetics play the biggest role. Autism is often diagnosed around the same time that children get certain vaccines. That timing, combined with misinformation, fuels the myth. Vaccines are safe, effective, and one of the best ways we have to protect children.

LEARN MORE ABOUT VACCINES >

A clear path to protection

The childhood vaccine schedule is developed by leading medical experts, including pediatricians, and carefully reviewed each year to ensure it provides the best protection for your child. It's designed to protect them at the earliest age possible when they are most vulnerable to these serious diseases.

Trusted leaders in the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all strongly support protecting children with recommended vaccinations. They practice what they preach—all of these physicians follow the vaccine schedule for their own children and families.

Recommended for all infants and children

Recommended only for infants/children with certain medical conditions or risk factors

Talk to your healthcare provider to decide if this vaccine is right for your teenager

Vaccine or Preventive Antibody 2-4
Weeks 		2
Months 		4
Months 		6
Months 		9
Months 		12
Months 		15
Months 		18
Months 		2
Years 		4-5
Years 		9
Years 		11
Years 		16
Years
TYPICAL #
OF SHOTS*		 0 2 2 2 0 3 2 1 0 3 1 3 2
HepB
Dose 1
Dose 2
Dose 3
DTaP
Dose 1
Dose 2
Dose 3
Dose 4
Dose 5
Polio
Dose 1
Dose 2
Dose 3
Dose 4
Dose 5
Hib
Dose 1
Dose 2
Dose 3
Dose 4
Pneumococcal
Dose 1
Dose 2
Dose 3
Dose 4
Rotavirus**
Dose 1
Dose 2
Dose 3
MMR
Dose 1
Dose 2
Chickenpox
Dose 1
Dose 2
HepA
Dose 1
Dose 2
Tdap
Dose 1
MenACWY
Dose 1
Dose 2
HPV
2 doses
MenB
2 doses
RSV
First RSV season
Second RSV season
Flu
Every season
COVID-19
Every season
Every season

*This schedule shows the typical number of vaccines at each age when combination vaccines are used (which help reduce the number of separate shots). It assumes your child is following the recommended schedule and is up to date.

Infants should receive protection against RSV during their first RSV season, and all children should receive flu vaccine once they are over 6 months old. Some infants with high-risk conditions may need additional RSV protection during their second season and COVID-19 vaccination when eligible.

** Rotavirus is given orally, not as a shot.

Understanding the different diseases

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages. It's so prevalent that most children have been infected with it by the age of two. While it often causes mild, cold-like symptoms, it can be serious, especially for infants, young children, older adults, and individuals with certain underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems.

Hepatitis B (HepB) is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It's a type of viral hepatitis that can lead to both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) infection. HBV is a global health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide.

DTaP stands for Diphtheria, Tetanus, and acellular Pertussis. Here's a breakdown of each disease:

Diphtheria:

What it is: A serious bacterial infection of the throat and nose. It produces a toxin that can lead to a thick coating in the back of the throat, making it difficult to breathe and swallow.

Tetanus (Lockjaw):

What it is: A serious bacterial infection that enters the body through cuts or wounds. It affects the nervous system, causing painful muscle spasms throughout the body.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough):

What it is: A highly contagious respiratory infection. It starts with cold-like symptoms but can progress to severe, uncontrollable coughing fits, making it hard to breathe, eat, or drink. The characteristic "whooping" sound occurs when a child takes a deep breath after a coughing fit.

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a serious and highly contagious infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. This virus primarily affects the nervous system and can lead to paralysis and, in severe cases, death. Historically, polio caused widespread epidemics, but thanks to widespread vaccination efforts, it has been largely eradicated in many parts of the world, though it still poses a risk in some areas and for unvaccinated individuals.

Hib stands for Haemophilus influenzae type b. It's a type of bacteria that can cause several serious and potentially life-threatening infections, particularly in young children. Before the Hib vaccine became widely available, Hib was a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children under 5 years old.

The Hib bacteria typically live harmlessly in the nose and throat of many people. However, if they spread to other parts of the body, they can cause severe illness. Hib is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through close contact.

Pneumococcal disease is a term for any illness caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, commonly known as pneumococcus. These bacteria are a common cause of serious and potentially life-threatening infections, particularly in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems or certain chronic health conditions.

The pneumococcus bacteria often reside harmlessly in the nose and throat of healthy individuals. However, they can spread to other parts of the body and cause a range of infections, from mild to severe. It's spread from person to person through direct contact with respiratory secretions, like saliva or mucus, often through coughing or sneezing.

Rotavirus is a very contagious virus that is the most common cause of severe diarrhea and vomiting in infants and young children worldwide. Before the development of a vaccine, most children had been infected with rotavirus at least once by the age of five. While it can cause unpleasant symptoms, the main concern is the risk of dehydration due to severe fluid loss.

MMR stands for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. Here's a breakdown of each disease:

Measles (Rubeola):

What it is: A highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It can be severe, especially in young children.

Mumps:

What it is: A contagious disease caused by a virus that affects the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands, causing them to swell.

Rubella (German Measles):

What it is: A generally milder viral disease compared to measles. However, it is extremely dangerous for pregnant individuals because infection during pregnancy can lead to severe birth defects in the baby.

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which is a type of herpes virus. It was once a very common childhood illness, but its incidence has significant ly decreased due to the widespread use of the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine. A person with chickenpox is typically contagious from 1 to 2 days before the rash appears until all the blisters have dried and crusted over. This usually takes about 4 to 7 days after the rash starts.

Hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver. The liver is a vital organ responsible for many crucial functions, including processing nutrients, filtering blood, and fighting infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its ability to perform these functions can be impaired. Hepatitis can be caused by various factors, but the most common cause is a viral infection. There are several types of viral hepatitis, with Hepatitis A, B, and C being the most prevalent.

Tdap stands Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis. Here's a breakdown of each disease:

Tetanus (T):

Also known as "lockjaw," tetanus is caused by bacteria commonly found in soil. It enters the body through cuts or wounds and produces a toxin that affects the nervous system, leading to painful muscle spasms, stiffness (especially in the jaw and neck), and difficulty breathing. Tetanus can be life-threatening.

Diphtheria (d):

This is a serious infection that primarily affects the throat, forming a thick coating that can make it difficult to breathe and swallow. It can also lead to heart failure, paralysis, or death. Diphtheria spreads from person to person.

Acellular Pertussis (ap):

More commonly known as "whooping cough," pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection. It starts with cold-like symptoms, but can progress to severe, uncontrollable coughing fits that make it hard to breathe, eat, or drink. Whooping cough can be particularly dangerous and even life-threatening for babies and young children.

MenACWY refers to a type of meningococcal conjugate vaccine that protects against four specific serogroups (types) of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria: A, C, W, and Y. These bacteria are responsible for meningococcal disease, a severe and potentially life-threatening illness.

Meningococcal disease can manifest in various ways, but the most serious forms are:

Meningitis:

An infection of the membranes (meninges) covering the brain and spinal cord. It can lead to brain damage, hearing loss, learning disabilities, and even death.

Sepsis (or meningococcemia):

A severe bloodstream infection that can cause rapid organ damage, loss of limbs, and death.

HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus. It's a very common group of viruses. There are over 200 different types of HPV, and they're categorized into two main groups:

Low-risk HPV:

These types can cause warts on various parts of the body, including the genitals, anus, mouth, and throat. They generally do not cause cancer.

High-risk HPV:

These types can cause abnormal cell changes that, if left untreated, can sometimes develop into certain types of cancer.

MenB refers to a type of meningococcal conjugate vaccine that specifically protects against serogroup B of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. As with MenACWY, these bacteria cause meningococcal disease, which can lead to severe and potentially fatal conditions like meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord) and sepsis (blood poisoning).

The flu, also known as influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. These viruses primarily infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Unlike the "stomach flu" (which is gastroenteritis, caused by different viruses), the flu is a respiratory infection. The flu spreads mainly through tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk, which can then be inhaled by others or land on surfaces and be transferred to the eyes, nose, or mouth.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) is an illness caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). It is primarily a respiratory disease, but it can affect various organ systems in the body. It spreads mainly through respiratory droplets and small particles exhaled by an infected person when they cough, sneeze, talk, sing, or breathe. These particles can be inhaled by others or land on their eyes, nose, or mouth.

Knowing what to expect

It's completely normal for your child to feel a little discomfort after getting vaccinated. This is usually a sign that their immune system is working and building protection. Knowing what to expect and how to help can make the experience easier for both of you.

Fever

A low-grade fever means your child's immune system is "turned on." This may be because thevaccine is working or because the child has an infection.

Check your child's temperature (a fever is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher).

You can give acetaminophen (like Tylenol) or ibuprofen (like Advil or Motrin) for fever and always base the dose on your child's weight and your healthcare provider's instructions.

Give your child plenty of fluids and dress them lightly.
Do not cover or wrap your child tightly.

Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given

Put a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the sore area for comfort. Do this for 10 minutes, 3 times a day.

Check the site daily. If it's not improving after 1-2 days, call your healthcare provider.

While serious side effects are rare, it's important to know when to seek immediate medical advice. If your child seems very ill, seek medical advice from your healthcare provider.

Get in touch

VaxFacts is a trusted online resource, meticulously compiled by a network of nationally respected pediatricians. It serves as a reliable source for comprehensive and evidence-based vaccine information in the U.S.