VACCINES go through years of testing before they’re approved. They undergo large, extensive trials and strict FDA reviews to be licensed. In addition, vaccines are thoroughly reviewed by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices before being added to the immunization schedule. Once in use, vaccines are continuously monitored to ensure safety.
The Institute of Medicine (the health arm of the National Academies of Science) has thoroughly reviewed thousands of vaccine research studies and confirmed that childhood immunizations are safe and do not cause long-lasting side effects or chronic conditions. The vast majority of vaccinated babies have no side effects or only mild, temporary side effects like soreness or a slight fever.
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Check out our detailed vaccine safety and benefits information on our website: VoicesForVaccines.org/Vaccines.
A short but spectacular history of vaccines
WE OFTEN THINK of vaccines as a modern invention, but immunization has been around for centuries!
As early as the 11th century, Chinese records mention a process called variolation to protect against smallpox.
By the 13th century, Egyptians were using variolation to protect people.
By the 17th century, West and North African communities were also using variolation to prevent illness.
In 1879, Louis Pasteur developed the first lab-produced vaccine for chicken cholera.
Edward Jenner’s discovery in the late 1700s—that exposure to cowpox protected against smallpox—led to the smallpox vaccine, ultimately saving millions of lives.
GROSS BUT TRUE
Did you know that the earliest form of immunization—called variolation—involved using a smallpox scab from an infected person to help protect others?
Thankfully, medicine has come a long way since then! Today’s vaccines are carefully developed to be much safer and more effective.
Vaccines have transformed the world
THANKS TO VACCINES we’ve achieved some pretty incredible public health victories.
Smallpox was eradicated. Once a deadly disease that killed millions, smallpox was officially wiped out thanks to vaccination.
Fewer children die before their 5th birthday. A massive 2015 study of one million children from 62 countries found that fully vaccinating communities reduced deaths in children under 5 years of age by 24%.
Vaccines even prevent cancer! The HPV vaccine protects against viruses that cause cervical cancer and some throat, anal, and other cancers. The hepatitis B vaccine helps prevent liver cancer.
QUICK TIP
Some parents worry about the HPV vaccine because they associate it with sexual activity. But here’s the key: the vaccine works best when given between ages 11–13, well before potential exposure. It’s all about building strong protection early, just like other routine childhood vaccines.
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