- Childhood vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness before approval through large population studies.
- Ongoing post-approval monitoring continues for years to detect and address rare side effects or safety concerns.
- When any issues are identified, recommendations are updated promptly to maintain the safest possible care.
- Vaccines are designed so they cannot cause the diseases they protect against—some use only parts of germs, while weakened live vaccines make limited copies that trigger immunity without illness.
- Live vaccines are not given to people with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer treatment.
- Before vaccines, many children died or became severely ill from infections now preventable, leading to lost school time and parental work absences.
- Modern vaccination has drastically reduced these diseases, though outbreaks like measles show that continued vaccination remains essential.
- Following the full recommended schedule protects children today and helps them grow into healthy adults.
Are Vaccines Safe for Children?
Before vaccines, kids missed school for weeks, and parents lost work caring for sick children. Thanks to vaccination, these illnesses are now rare — but they can return if we stop protecting our kids.
Susanne Tanski, MD, MPH
