Time to do your homework on vaccine safety, efficacy and the diseases that they target.
Click/tap a category below to get started:
The vaccine schedule is updated by the CDC yearly.
Notice in the chart below the differences in the vaccine schedule in 2018 as compared to 1983.
While most parents follow this schedule as recommended (e.g., median kindergarten vaccination coverage* is approximately 95%), medical and religious vaccine exemptions are under constant threat of being further minimized.
In stark contrast to the high rate of vaccination among children, the CDC claims the vast majority of adults are not vaccinated, are under-vaccinated, or are no longer current. It may be of interest to note that children make up around 20% of the U.S. population; therefore, up to 80% of the population is not vaccinated and yet mass outbreaks of vaccine-targeted diseases have not occurred.
Safer Vaccination Tip
Prior to receiving a vaccine, and even prior to the vaccine appointment, you can review the ingredients list and package insert.
Your provider is required by Federal Law to provide the Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS) PRIOR to administering the vaccine. Ensure that you receive this before or at your appointment, and consider documenting the following information for your own records:
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The lot number of your vaccine
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Manufacturer name (brand)
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Vaccine country of origin (e.g., U.S., China)
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Expiration date and any storage requirements
If the vaccine is coming from a multi-dose vial, you may wish to ask if the bottle has been properly shaken prior to each recipient and which recipient or dose number you would be considered.