An official website of the United States government
Here’s how you know
Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Vaccines play an important role in keeping us healthy. They protect us from serious and sometimes deadly diseases — like haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and measles.
It’s normal to have questions about vaccines. Vaccines.gov works with scientists and doctors to answer your questions and provide the information you need to get vaccinated.
In this section of the site, you’ll find the answers to common questions like:
Once you have the information you need, make sure that you and your family are up-to-date on your vaccinations — they’re your best shot against serious, preventable illness.
As you learn about vaccines and how they protect you, it may be helpful to understand the difference between vaccines, vaccinations, and immunizations.
Vaccine
A vaccine is made from very small amounts of weak or dead germs that can cause diseases — for example, viruses, bacteria, or toxins. It prepares your body to fight the disease faster and more effectively so you won’t get sick.
Example: Children younger than age 13 need 2 doses of the chickenpox vaccine.
Vaccination
Vaccination is the act of getting a vaccine, usually as a shot.
Example: Schedule your tetanus vaccination today.
Immunization
Immunization is the process of becoming immune to (protected against) a disease.
Example: Because of continued and widespread immunization in the United States, it’s rare for Americans to get polio.
Immunization can also mean the process of getting vaccinated. For example, your “immunization schedule,” is the timing of your shots.
Get Immunized
Getting immunized is easy. Vaccines and preventive antibodies are available at the doctor’s office or pharmacies — and are usually covered by insurance.
Content created by Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP) Content last reviewed
Disclaimer Policy: Links with this icon () mean that you are leaving the HHS website.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) cannot guarantee the accuracy of a non-federal website.
Linking to a non-federal website does not mean that HHS or its employees endorse the sponsors, information, or products presented on the website. HHS links outside of itself to provide you with further information.
You will be bound by the destination website's privacy policy and/or terms of service when you follow the link.
HHS is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on private websites.
For more information on HHS's web notification policies, see Website Disclaimers.