From the moment babies are born, they are exposed to numerous bacteria and viruses on a daily basis. Eating food introduces new bacteria into the body; numerous bacteria live in the mouth and nose; and an infant places their hands or other objects in their mouth hundreds of times every hour, exposing the immune system to still more antigens. When a child breathes in one of the many cold viruses, they are exposed to at least 4–10 antigens and exposure to “strep throat” is about 25–50 antigens.
Immunize.org
Printable resources and links to partner organizations to help you address hesitancy related to vaccination-related anxiety.
Printable resources designed to help healthcare professionals in all aspects of immunization practice.
Immunize.org experts answer challenging questions about vaccines.
Information sheets produced by CDC that explain both the benefits and risks of a vaccine to vaccine recipients.
Real-life accounts of suffering and loss.
From our affiliated site VaccineInformation.org, information about the importance of vaccines and answers to many common questions.
CDC ∙ FDA ∙ WHO
CDC
Reassuring information about the safety of multiple vaccinations.
Parent-friendly version of the childhood vaccination schedule.
Know the risks if parents delay or choose not to vaccinate.
Use this printable handout to train staff on how to address parents’ questions about vaccines.
Review how vaccines work, types of vaccines, and why some vaccines need more than one dose.
CDC provides information on a variety of questions and concerns about too many vaccines.
Trusted Organizations
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Information on why vaccines are given at different times and in different doses.
Pediatricians strongly support following the recommended immunization schedule.
Immunization protects children against these 14 diseases that were once common in the United States.
Vaccines strengthen immunity and may prevent the need for medications and procedures.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Vaccine Education Center (VEC)
Offers reassuring information about the safety of multiple vaccinations. A Spanish-language version is also available.
A review of natural infection versus immunization, viral shedding after receiving live vaccines.
Vaccines “control” for things such as the dose (smallest amount needed) and the timing (before the time of highest risk).
National Academy of Medicine
A 2012 analysis of more than 1,000 research articles concludes that few health problems are caused by or clearly associated with vaccines.
A 2002 study from the National Academy of Medicine, an impartial group of the world’s leading experts that advises Congress on science issues.
Vaxopedia
Studies of vaccines tested together and post-licensure monitoring.
Too many too soon is an easy vaccine myth to fall for.
Additional Resources
To increase timely immunization, evidence-based interventions are needed to guide primary care and public health practice. (Pediatrics, April 1, 2015)
Examination of the concerns that an infant’s immune system is inadequately developed to handle vaccines safely or that multiple vaccines may overwhelm the immune system. (Pediatrics, January 1, 2022)
This study examines parent concerns about whether multiple vaccines in early childhood can weaken their child’s immune system. (JAMA, March 6, 2018)
This study evaluates the association between autism and the level of immunologic stimulation received from vaccines administered during a child’s first two years. (The Journal of Pediatrics, August 2013)
Videos
In this How Vaccines Work series video, baby Jack and his parents find out how vaccines help train your baby’s immune system to help prevent disease.
From a series of short videos—Talking About Vaccines with Dr. Paul Offit: Age Groups and Vaccines—from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Dr. Offit answers individual questions related to vaccines.
Video FAQs
In this series of brief video clips from Vaccinate Your Family, Dr. Paul Offit, Dr. Mark Sawyer, Ms. Alison Singer, and Dr. Mary Beth Koslap-Petraco, experts in the field of immunizations and infectious disease, reply to common questions about vaccines and when they are needed.
Vaccine Questions?
Email CDC at nipinfo@cdc.gov