Vaccines protect children from many serious diseases.

VerdictTrue

Checked against CDC, WHO

Yes. Vaccines teach the body’s defences to fight germs and protect children from many serious diseases, such as measles, whooping cough, diphtheria, polio and rotavirus diarrhoea. Getting the recommended vaccines on time is one of the best ways to keep a child safe.

What experts say

Vaccines help the body’s natural defences learn to fight germs. They can prevent more than 30 life-threatening diseases and infections.2 4 5
Vaccines prevent serious diseases like measles, whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, pneumonia, rotavirus diarrhoea, and chickenpox. Many of these can be deadly, especially for babies and young children.1 2 3 4 5
On-time vaccination protects a child before they are exposed to disease. Some vaccines are given more than once, and protection can take a few weeks to build.1 2 3
Recommended vaccines are safe. Most side effects are mild, such as fever, tiredness, body aches, or redness and swelling where the shot was given. Serious, long-lasting side effects are extremely rare.2
Without vaccines, children are at risk of becoming seriously ill or dying from diseases like measles and whooping cough.2 3

What to do

Follow the recommended vaccination schedule for your child’s age. Ask your doctor which vaccines are needed and when.1 2 3 4
If you have questions or worries about a vaccine, ask your child’s doctor. Do not delay vaccines because of rumours.2 3
Keep track of the vaccines your child has had and any booster shots that are due. Some vaccines need boosters to keep protection strong.2
Vaccines also help protect others, such as newborns who are too young for some vaccines and people with weak immunity.3