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By the time you get a vaccine shot, you can be sure that it has been well researched. First, scientists test the vaccine in labs. Then researchers test the vaccine in studies with people who choose to take part. It’s tested to see if it is safe and works well enough to be approved by the government. This process usually takes years to complete.
The research does not stop there. Once a vaccine is on the market, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) keeps checking its strength, purity, and safety. This goes on for as long as the vaccine is used.
Are there risks to vaccines?
Although vaccines are considered safe, there are some possible risks. Most side effects of vaccines are mild. You may get sore at the spot where you got the shot, or you may get a mild fever.
More serious side effects are rare. Your doctor will tell you what to watch for. If you think you may be having a bad reaction to a vaccination, seek medical help.
Compare the risks of a vaccine with the risks of the disease that it prevents. The disease is more dangerous than the vaccine. For example, through the 1920s, diphtheria was a deadly childhood disease in the US. It killed thousands of people each year. Today, thanks to vaccines, this disease rarely occurs.
Vaccines of tomorrow
In the future, we may get vaccines in different ways. Some vaccinations won’t even use needles.
There is already a flu vaccine that doesn’t use a needle. Instead of getting a shot, a person breathes in the vaccine from a spray bottle. (This type of flu vaccine is not recommended for everyone.) Some future vaccines may come in the form of patches that you will stick on your skin.
Also of Interest
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