Scientific studies overwhelmingly support vaccine safety, though misinformation persists. Vaccines are designed to protect people from serious diseases by helping the immune system recognize and fight harmful viruses and bacteria. Over many decades, scientists have studied vaccines carefully to ensure they are safe and effective. Most research shows that vaccines do not cause major health problems, and in fact, they have saved millions of lives by preventing deadly illnesses like measles, polio, and smallpox.
However, some people believe that vaccines might be linked to certain health conditions, such as autism, allergies, or autoimmune diseases. These concerns often come from misinformation or misunderstandings of scientific studies. For example, a study in the 1990s falsely claimed a connection between vaccines and autism, but it was later proven wrong and retracted. Many large studies since then have confirmed that vaccines do not cause autism or other major health problems.
Like any medical treatment, vaccines can have side effects, but they are usually mild, such as a sore arm or slight fever. Serious reactions are extremely rare. Health experts, including the CDC and WHO, continue to monitor vaccine safety through rigorous testing and data collection.
