Vaccines Medical Reference

Despite the similar names, chickenpox and smallpox are very different diseases. Learn how to tell them apart.

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 is a viral infection that mainly affects the salivary glands. Learn the symptoms of this once-common condition.

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.

Vaccines aren’t just for babies and young kids. Teens and preteens need them, too. WebMD explains which shots they need, when to get them, and what to do if you missed a dose.

WebMD explains what you need to know about measles, including symptoms, how it spreads, and the MMR vaccine.

Children's vaccines questions to ask your doctor.

WebMD's guide to the meningococcal vaccine, who needs it, when it is given, and possible side effects.

Learn more from WebMD about the seasonal flu shot and nasal spray, including when to get them and possible side effects.

Learn more from WebMD about the rotavirus vaccine, which greatly reduces sickness with the rotavirus, especially in children.

WebMD explains the importance of the pneumococcal vaccine for adults, children, and anyone with a chronic illness - along with its side effects.

WebMD explains the Hib vaccine, which protects against bacterial meningitis.

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.

WebMD explains the varicella, or chickenpox, vaccine -- why it's important, who should get it, the vaccine schedule, and possible side effects.

WebMD explains why the polio vaccine (IPV) is important, who should get it and when, and possible risks and side effects.

WebMD explains the DTap and Tdap vaccines -- why they're given, who should get them, side effects, and other important information about these immunizations.

Get answers to questions about DTaP and Tdap, the vaccines that prevent whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus.

Fact sheet about the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for children from the CDC.

Fact sheet about the meningococcal vaccine from the CDC.

Fact sheet about the children’s flu vaccine from the CDC.

Fact sheet about the HPV vaccine from the CDC.

The nasal flu vaccine sounds like a safe bet if you’re scared of needles. But it’s not for everyone. WebMD explains who’s a good candidate and who should get the regular shot.

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 can be a very serious illness. The experts at WebMD answer basic questions about the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of the disease.

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.