Immunization

Vaccine Safety

Many parents worry about the possible side effects of vaccinating their child and if their child really needs all those shots. Misinformation abounds on the Internet, making it hard to find a reliable source of information. Check below for expert answers on your top vaccine safety questions.

 

 

 

Thimerosal, Aluminum, & Other Ingredients

Vaccines contain many ingredients to help them protect children. Find out which ingredients are used in vaccines and why.

 

MMR and Autism

A few years ago, some parents believed that the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine was causing children to develop autism, but studies since then have disproved that theory. Learn more about the background and studies here.

 

Why so Many Shots at Once?

Children can now be protected against 14 diseases by the time they are 2, but that also means they need many shots at one time. Find out more about the schedule and why it is recommended.

 

How Vaccines are Licensed and Studied

• Many stakeholders involved in developing recommendations for new vaccines (Exit Site)

• Overview of vaccine safety (PDF 45KB)

• Facts for Parents About Vaccine Safety - English Version (PDF 72KB)

• Facts for Parents About Vaccine Safety - Spanish Version (PDF 22KB)

 

Information from Other Trusted Sources

• CDC (Exit Site)

• FDA (Exit Site)

• What to Expect (Exit Site)

• AAP Parent Resources on Autism

• Sound Advice

 

Anna's Story

Anna Lincoln, MD, FAAP, is a pediatrician in Buda, Texas, and a mother of three. Her first-born son, Wiley, became dangerously ill with pneumococcal meningitis when he was a baby.