AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC)

AVAC publishes the AIDS Vaccine Handbook, an overview of how vaccines work; the particular challenges facing scientists in developing an AIDS vaccine; how clinical trials work; and how the research affects HIV-positive populations around the world. AVAC also sponsors the AIDS Vaccine Clearinghouse, a gateway to information about vaccine research, development and advocacy.

American Academy of Pediatrics Immunization Initiatives

This site contains a comprehensive section for families including how vaccines work, safety and effectiveness of vaccines, frequently asked questions, vaccine misconceptions, etc.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The CDC website offers extensive information, from recommendations for particular vaccines to general discussions of vaccine safety and effectiveness.

Of particular interest:

• General vaccine information: www.cdc.gov/vaccines
• Information about Hepatitis:www.cdc.gov/hepatitus/index.htm
• Information about Influenza: www.cdc.gov/flu
• International Travel Information: wwwn.cdc.gov/travel

FDA Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research – Consumer Healthcare Information

CBER is responsible for ensuring the safety and efficacy of blood and blood products, vaccines, allergenics, and biological therapeutics.  This site has a section that includes information about vaccines for kids, flu vaccines, and frequently asked questions.

This site provides pertinent information about childhood, adolescent, and adult immunizations. You will find publications and reports on vaccine preventable diseases, vaccine safety, vaccine coverage, immunization laws, and immunization registries.

Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System

This site Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System is a cooperative program for vaccine safety of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). VAERS is a post-marketing safety surveillance program, collecting information about adverse events (possible side effects) that occur after the administration of US licensed vaccines. This Web site provides a nationwide mechanism by which adverse events following immunization (AEFI) may be reported, analyzed and made available to the public. It also provides a vehicle for disseminating vaccine safety-related information to parents/guardians, healthcare providers, vaccine manufacturers, state vaccine programs, and other constituencies.