FAQs (frequently asked questions)
Does the FDA perform studies on vaccines to make sure they are safe? NO. This is the most common misconception in America.  The FDA usually does NOT perform any tests or clinical trials. Vaccines are tested on small groups of people by the drug companies to determine if they are safe and effective before it is allowed to be released to the general population. This small group testing is called a clinical trial. The FDA does NOT perform clinical trials.
The FDA relies on clinical trials performed by drug companies to determine whether a vaccine (or any drug for that matter) is safe and effective. The FDA simply analyzes the data from these drug company sponsored trials and monitors them for compliance with the law.
Does the federal government force vaccination? The short answer is no. Â Your state is responsible to enacting laws when it comes to mandatory vaccination.
Merck’s lobbying for mandatory Gardasil vaccination for girls is a good example on how drug company’s lobby states for mandatory vaccination. Read about Merck’s attempts here.
What about vaccines causing autism? There has been a lot of talk about the use of chemicals in vaccines that are used to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi causing autism.  These chemicals are called preservatives.  One preservative in particular is called Thimersol, which contains mercury.  A number of scientific studies and court decisions that have addressed the issue determined that Thimersol does not cause autism.  The FDA created a website to address the Thimersol issue.  Sites like AgeofAutism.com and SafeMinds.orgdisagree with the FDA’s view.
One thing is clear, however, vaccines can cause a number of conditions which cause autistic like symptoms.  Encephalopathy is one of those conditions that can damage the brain and cause these symptoms.  To learn more about this condition please click here.
To learn more about vaccine ingredients like preservatives please click here.
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Vaccine Glossary
When your child is going to the doctor to receive a vaccine it is important to understand what your health care provider is talking about. We at the Vaccine Injury Help Center created a glossary of terms to help you:
Combination vaccines (more than one virus or bacteria, such as MMR which contains measles, mumps and rubella viruses).
Inactivated vaccines – Inactivated vaccines contain dead or inactive bacteria or viruses. Â These vaccines can be safely given to individuals with weakened immune systems. However, for such individuals, additional (booster) doses may be required to achieve immunity (protection).
Live-attenuated vaccines – Live-attenuated vaccines contain a living bacteria or virus that has been weakened in the laboratory so that it doesn’t cause the actual disease in individuals with healthy immune systems.
Multi-valent  vaccines – The reason why people get sick from the flu every year is that the virus changes every season. This means the the flu virus has many strains or types. Multi-valent vaccines contain several strains such as the seasonal influenza vaccine which has three strains of influenza.
Single valent vaccines – The reason why people get sick from the flu every year is that the virus changes every season. Â This means the the flu virus has many strains or types. Â Single valent vaccines contain one strain of the bacteria or virus.
Subunit inactivated vaccines – subunit inactivated vaccines contain just a portion or a “subunit” of the disease-causing bacteria or virus is needed to provide protection.
Toxoids – some bacteria cause illness by secreting a poison or toxin. Scientists discovered that inactivating the toxins, to create toxoids, and administering the toxoid can also protect individuals against the disease.
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