According to the World Health Organization, vaccines prevent more than 2.5 million deaths each year. In the United States, immunization programs have resulted in the eradication of smallpox, the elimination of polio, and the control and near elimination of once-common, often debilitating and potentially life-threatening diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and Haemophilus influenzae type b. Ironically, the successes of vaccine coverage in the United States have made it more difficult for the public to weigh the benefits and complications of vaccines because the now-controlled diseases and their often-serious risks are no longer familiar. Our 2001 publication Immunization Safety Review: Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine and Autism states, “ . . the committee concludes that the evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship at the population level between MMR vaccine and autistic spectrum disorders (ASD)” http://buff.ly/2j6jfcs

Vaccines are among the most effective and safe public health interventions available to prevent serious disease and death. Our resources examine vaccine safety and communicate the science of vaccination and public health. All are free to download: http://buff.ly/2j6gWWF.