Frequently Asked Questions
Vaccine Safety
Yes, vaccines are safe! Childhood vaccines undergo rigorous testing and clinical trials conducted by scientists, doctors, and public health professionals. They are reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before becoming available to the public. Vaccines are continuously monitored to ensure they remain safe and effective for children.
Vaccines have been proven to work through decades of research and real-world success. Thanks to vaccines, many dangerous diseases like polio and measles have been reduced or eliminated, keeping kids and communities healthier.
No, vaccines do not cause autism or any long-term health issues. The myth linking vaccines to autism started with a 1998 study by Andrew Wakefield, which was later completely discredited. The study had serious flaws, used a very small sample size, and was found to be fraudulent. as a result, Wakefield lost his medical license.
Since then, multiple large studies involving hundreds of thousands of children have found no link between vaccines and autism. Organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and American Academy of Pediatrics all confirm that vaccines are safe and do not cause autism.
Vaccines protect children from serious diseases and keep them healthy.
No, vaccines do not contain harmful ingredients. While vaccines do have ingredients like preservatives or stabilizers, these are present in very small, safe amounts and help keep the vaccine effective.
Some vaccine ingredients, like aluminum or formaldehyde, may sound concerning, but they are present in much smaller amounts than what is naturally found in your body or in everyday foods like fruits and vegetables.
All ingredients used in vaccines are carefully tested to ensure they are safe for children and adults, and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Immunity
While natural immunity can provide protection after an infection, it often comes at a high cost—the risk of severe illness, complications, or even death.
Many vaccine-preventable diseases, like measles or polio, can cause life-threatening complications, permanent disability, or long-term health issues.
Vaccines train the immune system safely without exposing children to these risks. They stimulate a controlled immune response, helping the body build protection without the danger of severe illness.
Real-world evidence shows that relying on natural immunity can be dangerous:
Polio: Natural infection could cause paralysis, leaving thousands of children disabled. The Polio vaccine eliminated polio in the U.S., proving that vaccine-induced immunity is safer and more effective.
Vaccines give the best of both worlds—strong, lasting immunity without the suffering and dangers of disease. That’s why doctors and scientists recommend vaccine immunity over natural infection every time.
School Enrollment
Yes, Nevada law requires children to be vaccinated against certain diseases to attend public, private, and charter schools, as well as childcare and pre-K programs. These vaccines are essential for keeping schools safe and preventing outbreaks of serious illnesses like measles, polio, and whooping cough.
Getting vaccinated on time ensures that children are protected before they are exposed to dangerous diseases, which can spread quickly in schools and childcare settings. Parents must provide an official immunization record before their child starts school, and staying up to date helps avoid last-minute school enrollment delays. While Nevada allows medical and religious exemptions with proper documentation, keeping children vaccinated on schedule is the best way to protect their health and the health of their classmates.
If your child needs required vaccines, local health departments, clinics, and pharmacies offer free or low-cost immunizations to help families stay compliant. For the latest school vaccine requirements and exemption details check with your child’s school.
The Vaccine Appointment
Most childhood vaccines have mild side effects, which are a normal sign that the body is building immunity. many vaccine side effects are mild and temporary, like a sore arm, mild fever, or fussiness. These side effects will go away on their own and are much less serious than the disease they prevent. Serious side effects are extremely rare, and healthcare providers are trained to handle them if they occur.
As a parent, you can prepare for your child’s vaccination by explaining to your child in simple, calm words that vaccines help keep them strong and healthy. Afterwards, apply a cool cloth to any sore areas.
The benefits of vaccines far outweigh the risks, as they protect against dangerous diseases.
Vaccine Access & Cost
In Nevada, most families can get childhood vaccines for free or at a very low cost. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides free vaccines to children 18 years old and younger who are uninsured, underinsured, on Medicaid, or Native American/Alaska Native.
You can find VFC providers at doctors’ offices, community clinics, and local health departments.
Additionally, Nevada health centers and community health centers offer low-cost or free vaccines, often with no requirement for insurance or immigration status.
Southern Nevada Health Department & Washoe County Health District and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) also provide affordable vaccinations, and some pharmacies offer vaccines at reduced costs for Medicaid recipients.
No child should go unprotected because of cost—resources are available to ensure every child gets vaccinated!
Yes, in Nevada, most health insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover childhood vaccines at no cost to you. This means that whether you have private insurance, Medicaid, or another public health program, your child’s vaccinations should be fully covered.
Insurance often includes all routine vaccines, from infancy through adolescence, as recommended by the Centers for disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state guidelines. If you’re unsure whether a specific vaccine is covered, it is a good idea to check with your insurance provider or your child’s healthcare provider. If you don’t have insurance, there are Free or low-cost vaccine options available through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and local health clinics in Nevada.
No matter your situation, there are resources to ensure your child is protected from serious diseases!
If your child doesn’t have insurance, they can still get vaccinated for free or at a low cost through programs designed to ensure all kids are protected.
The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides free vaccines to children who are uninsured, underinsured, on Medicaid, or Native American/Alaska Native. VFC vaccines are available at participating doctors’ offices, community clinics, and the southern nevada health department & washoe County health district. Many community health centers and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) also offer vaccines on a sliding fee scale, meaning you pay based on what you can afford. Please visit our resource page for more locations to receive immunization.
Every child deserves protection from preventable diseases, regardless of insurance status!
Yes! In Nevada, childhood vaccines are available regardless of immigration status, and federal law protects access to healthcare services for all children. Programs like the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provide free vaccines to eligible children, including those who are uninsured or underinsured, without requiring a Social Security number or proof of citizenship.
Additionally, under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) and federal non-discrimination laws, healthcare providers cannot deny essential services, including vaccinations, based on immigration status. Many community health clinics, The Southern Nevada Health Department & The washoe county health district, and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) offer free or low-cost vaccines, ensuring that all children—regardless of background—can stay protected against preventable diseases. Please visit our resource page for more locations to receive vaccination!
Your child’s health and protection come first!