Childhood Immunizations

Vaccine Safety
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Smallpox and polio have been wiped out in the United States. Cases of measles, mumps, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis) and other life-threatening illnesses have been reduced by more that 95 percent. Immunization against influenza and pneumonia prevent

Vaccines and Hair Loss
by CDC
A recent study suggests that hair loss may occur in a few persons who have received vaccinations. This side effect, if confirmed by other studies, would be considered very rare. Other studies to further investigate these findings are underway.

Mercury and Thimerosal
by CDC
Mercury occurs naturally in the environment and exists in several forms. These forms can be organized under three headings: metallic mercury (also known as elemental mercury), inorganic mercury, and organic mercury.

Vaccines and Immunization Schedules
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Here's a look at vaccines that have been recently licensed by the FDA, along with the latest recommendations from the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for young children, adolescents, and adults.

GBS and Menactra Meningococcal Vaccine
by CDC
The CDC and FDA, in partnership with state health departments, are investigating cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) among adolescents who have recently received tetravalent (A, C, Y, W135) meningococcal conjugate vaccine

Biotech Revolution: Vaccines
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
'Vaccines are among our most important and cost-effective medical interventions, preventing disease in those who receive them and reducing the spread and risk of infections through our communities,' says CBER Director Jesse Goodman, M.D., M.P.H.

Mercury and Vaccines (Thimerosal)
by CDC
Thimerosal is used as a preservative in some multi-dose vials of vaccines to prevent contamination. Preservatives are not required for vaccines in single-dose vials. As a preservative, thimerosal is added at the end of the production process to the bulk