Vaccines Medical Reference
What to Know About DNA Vaccines
- What Are the Rules on Vaccine Exemptions?
Statistics show that states where exemptions are easy to get have more unvaccinated kids than states that make the process harder.
- What’s the Difference Between Smallpox and Chickenpox?
Despite the similar names, chickenpox and smallpox are very different diseases. Learn how to tell them apart.
- Difference Between Active and Passive Immunity
Find out the differences between active and passive immunity, pros and cons of each, examples, and more.
- Measles
Measles is a dangerous, contagious disease with no treatment or cure. What it does have, though, is a low-cost vaccine that’s 97% effective in preventing the virus.
- Mumps
Mumps is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the salivary glands. Find out what causes it, who’s likely to get it, and what the treatment involves.
- What Are Mumps Symptoms?
Mumps is a viral infection that mainly affects the salivary glands. Learn the symptoms of this once-common condition.
- Meningococcal Vaccine
WebMD's guide to the meningococcal vaccine, who needs it, when it is given, and possible side effects.
- Seasonal Flu Shot and Nasal Spray
Learn more from WebMD about the seasonal flu shot and nasal spray, including when to get them and possible side effects.
- Rotavirus (RV) Vaccine
Learn more from WebMD about the rotavirus vaccine, which greatly reduces sickness with the rotavirus, especially in children.
- Pneumococcal Vaccine
WebMD explains the importance of the pneumococcal vaccine for adults, children, and anyone with a chronic illness - along with its side effects.
- Hib (H. influenzae Type B) Vaccine
WebMD explains the Hib vaccine, which protects against bacterial meningitis.
- Do I Need the Hepatitis A and B Vaccines?
WebMD provides information about the hepatitis A and B vaccinations, including a vaccine schedule, immunization side effects, and preventing the hepatitis viruses.
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
The MMR vaccine is very important for children and some adults who have not yet been exposed or vaccinated. WebMD explains who should get the vaccine and when.
- Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine
WebMD explains the varicella, or chickenpox, vaccine -- why it's important, who should get it, the vaccine schedule, and possible side effects.
- Polio Vaccine (IPV)
WebMD explains why the polio vaccine (IPV) is important, who should get it and when, and possible risks and side effects.
- DTaP and Tdap Vaccines
WebMD explains the DTap and Tdap vaccines -- why they're given, who should get them, side effects, and other important information about these immunizations.
- Whooping Cough Vaccine: FAQ
Get answers to questions about DTaP and Tdap, the vaccines that prevent whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus.
- Children’s Vaccines: The Basics
WebMD provides answers to common questions about children's vaccines, including when they should be given and possible side effects.
- Shingles Vaccine: Should I Get It?
Are you at risk for shingles? WebMD explains when and why you should get the shingles vaccine.
- The Nasal Flu Spray: Get the Facts
The nasal flu vaccine sounds like a safe bet for anyone who’s scared of needles, but it’s not for everyone. Find out if it could work for you.
- The Meningitis Vaccines: What Parents Should Know
Meningitis vaccines can protect against most types of meningococcal disease. Should you get a vaccine for your child or teen? Here is information parents should know.
- Meningitis: 12 Frequently Asked Questions
Meningitis can be a very serious illness. The experts at WebMD answer basic questions about the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of the disease.
- Prevent Meningitis: Tips to Protect Your Teen
There's a lot you can do to help prevent meningitis in your teenager before he goes to camp or college. WebMD offers tips for avoiding this serious illness.
- Immunizations and Vaccines
Think you don't need immunization against infectious diseases? Think again. Learn why we -- and our children -- still need regular vaccinations.
- Meningitis Symptoms Warning Signs
WebMD explains how to spot symptoms of meningitis, a disease that can be fatal.
- Understanding Tetanus -- Diagnosis and Treatment
From symptoms to treatment to prevention, get the basics on tetanus from the experts at WebMD.
- Understanding Tetanus -- Symptoms
From symptoms to treatment to prevention, get the basics on tetanus from the experts at WebMD.
- Understanding Tetanus -- the Basics
From symptoms to treatment to prevention, get the basics on tetanus from the experts at WebMD.
- Understanding Tetanus -- Prevention
From symptoms to treatment to prevention, get the basics on tetanus from the experts at WebMD.
- Understanding Chickenpox -- Prevention
Don't risk letting your child get chickenpox and learn about the best way to prevent your family from contracting the virus.