Vaccine safety
Safety is one of the most important factors in the development of a vaccine and is the priority of the clinical development process. Vaccines are not a “one size fits all” mechanism, which is why vaccine research, development, and use contain a wide array of checks for safety. Even after a vaccine has been licensed and is in use, monitoring continues in order to ensure that safety information reflects any new information gathered after the product has been licensed.
View resources on vaccine safety
Key resources
Vaccine Safety
A section of the US Centers for Disease Control website that provides an overview of vaccine safety issues, common concerns, and links to more detailed information.
Immunization Safety
A web page from the World Health Organization containing up-to-date factual information, global policies, best practices, and resource documents related to immunization safety, including training and communication materials.
Thimerosal in Vaccines
A web page from the US Food and Drug Administration with information on thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative that has been used in vaccines.
Vaccine Safety
A web page from the Immunization Action Coalition with links to additional resources on vaccine safety, including safety issues related to specific diseases and broader issues such as thimerosal and autism.
Featured PATH resources
Childhood Immunization: What You Need to Know (2004)
A handbook for parents and health care workers about diseases and vaccines, including extensive questions and answers and charts comparing disease risk versus vaccine risk.
