Surgeon General VADM Jerome M. Adams, M.D., M.P.H. Statement on National Infant Immunization Week, Safety and Effectiveness of Vaccines

Vaccinations save lives, protect our children, and are one of the greatest public health achievements in history. Most parents choose to protect their children with these safe, proven vaccines. Despite this, we are now seeing a large, very concerning outbreak of measles.

Vaccinating your baby according to the recommended immunization schedule provides the best protection against 14 serious childhood illnesses—including measles and whooping cough.

As a parent, I have publicly talked about my family’s decision to protect my three children by getting them vaccinated. Unfortunately, there is inaccurate information circulating about vaccines, so let’s make sure we separate the facts from the myths. If you have any concerns or questions, talk to your child’s health care provider. We all have a part to play in keeping our communities – especially our youngest and most vulnerable – safe!