Vaccines: Separating Facts from Fiction
Vaccines are a hot topic. The president is dispensing advice on the timing of childhood vaccines. The U.S. Health Secretary is reopening debates that had seemed closed. Federal health agencies are changing the guidelines for COVID-19 vaccines.
Texas policy is shifting, too. This year, for instance, the Legislature passed a new law making it easier for parents to opt their children out of school-mandated vaccines.
At the same time, public health experts are sounding the alarm about increasing vaccine hesitancy and decreasing vaccination rates. Their fears have already played out in real life, in Texas. A large measles outbreak gripped West Texas for the first half of 2025. Two unvaccinated children died. The nation’s measles case count, driven by the outbreak in Texas, rose to the highest level in more than three decades.
The Importance of Accurate Information
The stakes are high. But with so much information — much of it conflicting — swirling around, it can be difficult to know what is true and even harder to know what to do.
We want to help with that.
Send us your vaccine questions, and we’ll aim to give you answers from the people who know this stuff best: doctors, pharmacists, researchers and, when appropriate, policy makers and legislators.
There are some questions that might not have clear-cut answers. In those cases, we’ll tell you what experts do know, as well as what they don’t.
Our Approach
This initiative isn’t about politics. We’ll address policies and policy changes that impact vaccines — such as availability and access — but we’ll focus mostly on the medical facts. We will aim to do this in a way that gives you the most accurate information in a clear and digestible format.
Ask us your questions about all things vaccines. And we’ll let you know what we learn as we track down the answers.
Why Vaccines Matter
Vaccines have been proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. They have saved countless lives and have been instrumental in eradicating diseases such as smallpox.
However, with the rise of vaccine hesitancy, there is a growing concern that diseases that were once under control may make a comeback. This is why it is essential to have accurate information about vaccines and to address any concerns or questions that people may have.
What You Can Do
If you have questions or concerns about vaccines, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to provide you with accurate and reliable information.
You can also talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about any concerns you may have. They can provide you with personalized advice and guidance.
Conclusion
Vaccines are a crucial tool in the fight against infectious diseases. However, with the rise of vaccine hesitancy, it is essential to have accurate information and to address any concerns or questions that people may have.
We hope that this initiative will help to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about vaccines. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
FAQs
Q: What is vaccine hesitancy?
A: Vaccine hesitancy refers to the delay or refusal to accept vaccination, despite the availability of vaccine services.
Q: Why are vaccines important?
A: Vaccines are important because they help to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and have been instrumental in eradicating diseases such as smallpox.
Q: How can I get accurate information about vaccines?
A: You can get accurate information about vaccines by talking to your doctor or healthcare provider, or by reaching out to reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO).
Q: What can I do if I have concerns about vaccines?
A: If you have concerns about vaccines, you can talk to your doctor or healthcare provider, or reach out to us with your questions. We will do our best to provide you with accurate and reliable information.
