• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Disease Prevention and Control, San Francisco Department of Public HealthPopulation Health Division SF Department of Public HealthPopulation Health Division SF Department of Public Health

  • Infectious Diseases A to Z
  • About
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Communicable Disease
    • 24/7 Disease Reporting
      • Disease Reporting: Additional Information for Medical Providers
      • Influenza Reporting
      • Frequently Requested Phone Numbers 
    • Healthy Habits
      • How to Put on and Remove a Face Mask 
    • Publications, Data, and Reports
    • Infection Control
      • Infection Prevention and Control for Health Care Settings
      • Infection Prevention and Control for Long-Term Care Facilities
    • Infectious Diseases A to Z
  • Immunizations
    • Vaccines You Need
      • Adults
      • Children & Adolescents
      • Vaccines for Gay and Bisexual Men
    • Where to Get Immunized
    • Influenza (Flu)
    • Vaccine Safety
    • Immunization Programs
      • Flu Vaccine Programs: Ordering Information for Health Care Providers
      • Hepatitis Programs
        • Hepatitis Education
        • Hepatitis Vaccine Distribution Program
        • Perinatal Hep B Program
        • Programs for Asian and Pacific Islanders
      • California Immunization Registry (CAIR)
      • Vaccines for Children
      • San Francisco Immunization Coalition
      • Emergency Mass Prophylaxis Clinic Planning
    • Schools and Child Care
    • Resources & Materials
      • Vax Facts: Vaccine Updates
      • Immunization Links
      • Request Materials
      • Vaccine Management Plan
    • Information for Medical Providers
    • Provider Spotlight
  • AITC Immunization & Travel Clinic
    • International Travelers
      • Promoting Travelers’ Health
      • Yellow Fever Vaccine FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
    • Immunization & Testing
    • Services for Businesses
    • Contact, Location, Hours, and Payments
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Prices
      • Low-Cost or Free Vaccines at AITC
    • Forms
    • Links
    • About AITC
  • Health Alerts & Emergencies
    • Prepare
    • Health Alerts
      • Sign Up For Health Alerts
    • Infectious Disease Plan
      • Emergency Exercises
    • Clinician Emergency Guide
    • Recognizing Bioterrorism
    • Programs and Activities
  • Tuberculosis Control
    • Tuberculosis Services
    • Tuberculosis Information For Medical Providers
      • LTBI Referral (Specific to Civil Surgeons)
      • Tuberculosis Screening Guidelines
        • Tuberculosis Testing
      • Tuberculosis Clinic Referrals Criteria
      • Managing Positive Reactions
      • Suspected/Confirmed Active TB Reporting
      • LTBI Risk Assessment Tools and Treatment Guidelines
      • Hospital Discharge
      • QuantiFERON Information
      • Infection Control Guidelines
      • Shelter Client Screening Guidelines
      • TB Resources for the Public
    • Publications
    • Reports
    • Links
    • San Francisco Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program (SFTBPCP) Supplemental Information
  • Public Health Laboratory
    • Laboratory Contact Information
    • Check COVID-19 and Influenza Test Results Online
    • Non-Diagnostic General Health Assessments (NGHA)
    • General Specimen Submission Guidelines
    • Forms for Specimen and Culture Submission
    • Laboratory Test Menu
  • STD Services
  • Infectious Diseases A to Z
  • About

Vaccine Safety

Vaccine Facts

The United States currently has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in history. By law the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires years of testing before a vaccine can be licensed. Once a vaccine is in use, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA monitor vaccine safety, efficacy, and side effects through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). For more information visit the VAERS website or or call the information line at: 1-800-822-7967.

  • Vaccine safety questions and answers
  • Vaccine side effects

What should be done if you have a reaction to a vaccine

  • Call your doctor. If you are having a severe reaction get to a doctor right away.
  • After any reaction, tell your doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given.
  • Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department to file a VAERS form, or call 1-800-822-7967.

Not vaccinating your child? Be aware of the risks.

Immunizations, like any medication, can cause side effects. However, a decision not to immunize a child also involves risk. It is a decision to put the child and others who come into contact with him or her at risk of contracting a disease that could be dangerous or deadly. Immunizations are protective not only for individuals, but for communities as well. To learn more about what can happen when people contract vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles and pertussis, visit shotbyshot.org .

More information about vaccine safety

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Immunization Action Coalition (IAC)
  • Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center

Primary Sidebar

Immunizations

  • Vaccines You Need
    • Adults
    • Children & Adolescents
    • Vaccines for Gay and Bisexual Men
  • Where to Get Immunized
  • Influenza (Flu)
  • Vaccine Safety
  • Immunization Programs
    • Flu Vaccine Programs: Ordering Information for Health Care Providers
    • Hepatitis Programs
    • California Immunization Registry (CAIR)
    • Vaccines for Children
    • San Francisco Immunization Coalition
    • Emergency Mass Prophylaxis Clinic Planning
  • Schools and Child Care
  • Resources & Materials
    • Vax Facts: Vaccine Updates
    • Immunization Links
    • Request Materials
    • Vaccine Management Plan
  • Information for Medical Providers
  • Provider Spotlight

Provider Spotlight

Magnet

As a clinic devoted to the sexual health of gay, bi, and queer men, Magnet is known across the Bay Area as a go-to resource for STI testing and prevention.

Magnet

Footer

Contact

SF Dept of Public Health
101 Grove Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 554-2500

Web Links

  • SF Dept. of Public Health
  • City and County of San Francisco

Privacy Policy | Sitemap | Contact Us
Website by MIGHTYminnow

© Copyright 1998 - 2023, Department of Public Health, City and County of San Francisco