Vaccines are a safe and effective way to limit serious illnesses, hospitalizations, or death from vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccines have been so successful at combating some infectious diseases that many of us don’t know much about the diseases that vaccines prevent because we’ve never known someone who has had them.

Most people do not have serious side effects from vaccines. Most side effects are mild and go away on their own. Many common side effects after vaccination, like muscle aches or mild fever, are signs that our bodies are building a healthy immune response to protect us from disease.

Ask your doctor about any concerns you may have about vaccines. Many reliable online resources are also available to answer your questions and help you make an informed, confident choice about vaccinations for yourself and your family. 

Using proven and tested vaccines can prevent more than 20 diseases. Learn more about these diseases, their symptoms, their treatment, and their prevention.

DSHS offers several low-cost programs for vaccination. Texas Vaccines for Children (TVFC) ensures all Texas children, regardless of parent's ability to pay, have access to ACIP-recommended vaccines. Find a TVFC provider and learn more about the program or more about vaccine-preventable diseases.

The Adult Safety Net (ASN) program provides low-cost vaccines to anyone aged 19 or older who does not have health insurance. Learn more about the ASN program and what vaccines are offered or find a provider online.

Parents are often presented with conflicting information about vaccines and their safety through the media and the internet, some of which may not be based on sound science. The following resources may help parents better understand why immunizations are important and dispel some myths about their safety.

Kids Vaccines

When making choices about vaccines, parents need to have all the facts. This page explores the vaccines that prevent diseases recommended for children from birth to six years of age.

Adolescent Vaccines

Vaccines are not just for kids; preteens and teenagers need them as well. This page is a guide to vaccines recommended for preteens and teens, including those required for college entry and military service.

Vaccines and Pregnancy

Mothers can pass immunity to many common respiratory diseases to their babies while in utero. This helps protect babies born during the fall and winter when they are too young to get vaccinated themselves.

Vaccines for Adults

Vaccines are not just for children; adults need them, too. The CDC recommends that adults receive a Tdap booster every 10 years. In addition, people living in nursing homes, public housing, barracks, on-campus housing, or those with chronic diseases such as HIV may also need vaccines depending on their living situation or lowered immune system.