Vaccines have not been linked to autism.

The myth that vaccines cause autism emerged from a discredited study, and extensive research has shown there’s no link between vaccines and autism.

Relying solely on natural immunity to prevent illness from infection is not safer than getting vaccinated.

While natural immunity can be robust for many diseases, experiencing the actual infection comes with many health risks. Vaccines can support you and your family in preventing serious illness and long-term side effects from an infectious disease.

Vaccines do not contain harmful ingredients.

Vaccine ingredients are present in tiny amounts and are rigorously tested for safety. Many are naturally occurring.

Aluminum is one example of a vaccine ingredient also found in soil, water, and food. In 2025, a large study found no link between aluminum in vaccines and any major health problems. In fact, aluminum helps the vaccines work better by helping create a stronger immune response.

Vaccines do not overwhelm the immune system.

We encounter many germs daily! Vaccines work with the immune system, not against it, and are given in safe doses.

Vaccines are still necessary even if the diseases are rare.

Thanks to vaccines, diseases are less common, but outbreaks can happen if vaccination rates drop. Community immunity is the key to keeping everyone protected!

Vaccine safety is rigorously studied and monitored. Benefits of vaccines vastly outweigh the risks of very rare severe side effects.

Most side effects are mild and temporary, like a little soreness or a low-grade fever. Serious side effects are extremely rare.

You should not skip vaccines and catch up later.

Delaying vaccinations leaves you and your family vulnerable to potentially serious illness when you may not be prepared for it. Vaccine timing is based on when an infant is most likely going to be exposed to a dangerous infection and when their body is most likely to develop the best or the strongest immune response possible to the vaccine. Getting each vaccine on time ensures that a child is protected.

Combination vaccines are safe, and it’s also safe to get more than one vaccine at the same time.

Vaccines contain tiny parts called antigens that help your body learn how to fight off germs in the future. Altogether, the vaccines recommended for kids under 2 have about 180 antigens. Babies’ immune systems can handle thousands of antigens at once, so it’s safe for them to get combination vaccines or several vaccines during one visit.

Flu vaccines are effective against severe disease.

While effectiveness may vary by season, flu vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.