Why vaccinate?
Vaccines protect you and your loved ones from severe illness and long-term health problems caused by diseases and viruses.
Pregnant people, people with chronic conditions, older adults, and infants and young children are most at risk for severe illness or complications, but vaccine-preventable diseases can affect anyone.
Why vaccinate your child? The CDC addresses common concerns.
Vaccines are safe.
It’s normal to have questions about vaccine safety. There's a lot of misinformation out there.
Vaccines have been around since the 18th century and have saved millions of lives. Vaccines prevent disease, disability and even disfigurement. 14 diseases you almost forgot about thanks to vaccines.
The U.S. has a long-standing, robust vaccine safety system. This system ensures that vaccines are among the safest in the world. Here's one way the CDC monitors vaccine safety.
- Common Questions and Concerns About Vaccine Safety
- Vaccine Safety Profiles and Information Statements
- Comprehensive Vaccine Safety Resources
Have questions about vaccine safety? Check with your health care provider. They are your most trusted source of information about immunizations.
More resources:
- Stories by people affected by vaccine-preventable diseases
- Short videos about common questions, and vaccine safety and science
Finding Credible Vaccine Information Online
Researching vaccines online? Be sure your information is from a credible source and is up to date.
Websites Written and Approved by Health Professionals
Reviewing a different site?
- Check if it's listed on Vaccine Safety Net (VSN). The World Health Organization lists websites with reliable vaccine safety information there.
- Review these resources:
Remember: Online research should never replace talking with your trusted health care provider.
This page was last modified on 04/21/2025