• How do we know that vaccines work?
• Is it better to be naturally infected rather than vaccinated?
• Because of better hygiene and sanitation, hadn't diseases already begun to disappear before vaccines were introduced?
• During an outbreak, aren't the majority of people who catch a disease those who have been vaccinated?
• If vaccine-preventable diseases have been virtually eliminated from the United States, why do American children need to be vaccinated?

• Are vaccines safe?
• What does the FDA do to ensure that vaccines are safe?
• How are vaccines tested?
• How is the safety of vaccines monitored?

• What is the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS)?
• What is the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) Project?
• Are there "hot lots" of vaccines that have been associated with more adverse events than others?
• Are some people more susceptible to adverse reactions than other people?
• If one person in a family has an adverse reaction to a vaccine, will other members of the family also have the same reaction?
• Can vaccines cause permanent adverse events, such as long-lasting impairment, or death?

• If a person may have been harmed by a vaccine, what does the federal government do about it?

• What is a vaccine made of? Are any of the ingredients in vaccines harmful?
• Are vaccines made from animal tissue safe? Can they transmit infectious agents to people?

• Who sponsors the research and development of a new vaccine?
• Is enough research conducted before vaccines are licensed by the Food and Drug Administration?
• Does the research process end when a vaccine is licensed by the Food and Drug Administration?
• Do any of the people who serve on federal advisory committees receive research support from pharmaceutical companies?

• Who decides which vaccines should be routinely recommended for children and adults?

• Why does the government require that certain vaccines be given to children?
• Are there legal consequences for parents if they choose not to vaccinate their children?

State Vaccine Requirements
Click here to go to the state requirements database.

• Who decides which vaccines children should receive?
• Are infants too young to get vaccinated?
• Does giving a child multiple vaccines for different diseases at the same time increase the risk of harmful side effects?
• Is it okay for parents to decide not to give their children certain vaccines?
• To reduce the chance of side effects, is it acceptable for a child to receive a half dose of a vaccine?

• What are vaccine registries?
• Some states are creating vaccine registries. Why is this necessary?

• How do vaccines work?
• Do vaccines "use up" or overload the immune system in infants or children?
• Do vaccines weaken the immune system?

• Doesn't breastfeeding offer babies natural protection?
• Are there natural remedies (e.g., herbs, vitamins) or approaches (e.g., homeopathy) that can be used in lieu of manufactured vaccines?