The short answer?  Yes, vaccines are very safe.  With millions of doses of vaccines given every year in the United States, only a small number result in vaccine injuries.

But however rare serious vaccine reactions may be, they occur and they can be devastating.   Reactions range from Guillain-Barre’ Syndrome (GBS), Transverse Myelitis (TM) to Shoulder Injuries Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA).

These and other reactions, many neurological, can be long-lasting.  However, if you have no history of serious vaccine reactions, vaccines are an important part of your general health care and they help not only you, but the public at large.

Let science and medicine dictate whether vaccines are right for you and your family.  Have a conversation with you primary care physician about when and which vaccines are appropriate.

So in the final analysis…vaccines are safe, but ask questions and take care of yourself.