Vaccine Basics

Every vaccine ingredient serves a purpose

To Provide Immunity

We become protected from a disease when the body creates specific antibodies to fight it. Vaccines contain carefully chosen ingredients that help your immune system recognize and build protection against certain infections.

To Keep the Vaccine Safe and Long-Lasting

Vaccines are designed to be both safe and effective. Some ingredients protect vaccines from contamination, while others—called stabilizers—help them stay effective during storage and transport.

To Make the Vaccine More Effective

Every ingredient in a vaccine serves a purpose. Certain components, like aluminum salts, help strengthen the body’s immune response so the vaccine provides better protection that lasts longer.

Ingredients in specific vaccines

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is responsible for making sure vaccines are safe and effective, has information about all approved vaccines. Check out the below links to discover the different vaccine options and the various ingredients.

Learn about the vaccines that are currently approved in the U.S. by the FDA to prevent different diseases.

See approved vaccines

Want to know more? Read about common vaccine ingredients from the FDA.

Learn from the FDA