Vaccine Facts: What You Need to Know
Kyle Bradford Jones, MD, FAAFPIt can be hard to know what to believe about vaccines. There’s a lot of information out there—especially in the age of social media—and not all of it is accurate. Having clear, trustworthy facts can help you feel more confident when you talk with your family physician about immunizing yourself or your family.
Vaccines are one of the most important tools humans have created to prevent serious illness. They help protect babies, children, teenagers, adults and communities as a whole. Understanding what vaccines are made of, how immunization works and when you need to get your shots can help you make informed decisions about your health.
What are vaccines?
A vaccine, also called an immunization, is a medicine that helps your body build protection against a disease before you’re exposed to it. Vaccines teach your immune system how to recognize certain germs so that if you are exposed to the disease later, your body can respond faster and reduce your risk of getting seriously sick.
What are vaccines made of?
Every ingredient in vaccines serves a purpose. Some ingredients help your immune system recognize a germ, while others keep the vaccine stable until you get it. Depending on the shot, it may contain a weakened or inactive germ, a small piece of a germ, a harmless form of a toxin or instructions that help your cells make a harmless piece of a germ. These ingredients are used in very small amounts and are carefully studied for safety.
How vaccines work
Vaccines work by giving your immune system a safe way to practice fighting a disease. Your immune system learns to recognize a germ or part of a germ without you having to get seriously sick first. After you’re vaccinated, your body can make its own protection against full-scale infections.
Types of vaccines
There are a few major vaccine types to understand:
- Inactive vaccines use a killed version of a germ.
- Live vaccines use a weakened version of a germ.
- Toxoid vaccines use a harmless version of a toxin made by a germ.
- Viral vector vaccines use a harmless virus to deliver instructions to your cells.
- mRNA vaccines give your cells instructions to make a harmless piece of a germ so your immune system can learn to recognize it.
Vaccine effectiveness
Vaccines work. Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to avoid getting sick from certain diseases, and some vaccines prevent illness almost entirely. Others may not stop every infection, but they can still lower your risk of severe symptoms, hospitalization and complications. Learn more about why vaccinations are important.
What vaccines do I need?
What immunizations you need depends on your age, health history, previous vaccines, job, travel plans and whether you’re pregnant. Some vaccines are recommended for almost everyone at certain ages, while others are recommended only for people with certain risk factors. Your family physician can review your vaccine history and help you decide what you need now.
Vaccines for children
Children need vaccines because some infections can be especially serious early in a person’s life. Childhood vaccine schedules exist so children are protected when they are most likely to need it. Learn more about childhood vaccines.
Vaccines for adults
You don’t grow out of needing vaccinations. Protection from some vaccines can fade over time, and adults may need to get vaccines based on age, health conditions, work, travel or other risks. Learn more about adult vaccinations.
Seasonal vaccines
Some vaccines are recommended at certain times of year because the germs they protect against spread more during those seasons or evolve over time. Your family physician can tell you whether you should get seasonal vaccines based on your age, health and risk of severe illness.
Where to get vaccinated
You may be able to get recommended vaccines at your family physician’s office, a pharmacy, a local health department or a community clinic. Where you go might depend on your age, insurance, the vaccine you need and what is available near you. If you’re not sure where to start, call your family physician’s office and ask what vaccines they offer or recommend.
Frequently asked questions about vaccines
Do vaccines cause autism?
No. Research has not found any evidence that vaccines can cause autism. The initial study that suggested a connection has been discredited by its own authors and other experts.
Are vaccines safe?
Yes. Vaccines are intensely studied for safety before they are recommended and keep being monitored after they are used. The COVID-19 vaccine was produced faster than usual because the work got more funding during the pandemic, not because safety concerns were overlooked.
How long do vaccines last?
The answer depends on the vaccine. Some provide long-lasting protection, while others need booster doses to keep up their protection. Ask your doctor what you can expect for your needed shots.
Can you get more than one vaccine at the same visit?
Often, yes, you can get more than one immunization in a single visit. For instance, you can get the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. Your doctor can tell you which vaccines can be given together.
What happens if I miss a vaccine dose?
You might not need to start over depending on what vaccine you missed a dose for. Don’t stress out or make guesses. Instead, ask your doctor how to get back on schedule.
Why do some vaccines need boosters?
Protection from some vaccines can fade over time. Vaccine boosters help jog your immune system’s memory on how to recognize a germ and protect against it. Your family physician can tell you which booster shots you should get based on your age, health and vaccine history.
Do I need vaccines before traveling?
It’s possible. Some destinations require or recommend certain vaccines before travel. It’s best to ask your family physician or a travel clinic several weeks before your trip so you have enough time to get any vaccines you may need.
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