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the best science on the web about
vaccinations
How Vaccines Work
Before the dawn of vaccines, the human body was left on its own to battle invaders. Vaccines jump-start the immune response so the body can fend off a real attack later.
See how a vaccine mimics the pathogen and triggers a chain reaction in the immune system that the body remembers.
A Worm’s Ovary Cells Become a Flu Vaccine Machine
The flu vaccine is usually produced in chicken eggs, but this takes a long time — and a lot of eggs. Scientists are exploring whether ovary cells from an army worm could do the job. More...
How Do Vaccines Work?
In 1796, Edward Jenner created the first vaccine by injecting a small amount of cowpox virus into a young boy. While vaccinations have become more sophisticated, the science remains the same. More...
Illsville: Fight the Disease
Help the citizens of Illsville fight diseases through the ages. Diagnose and make recommendations to preserve community health until vaccines arrive. More...
Smallpox: The Speckled Monster
When an English doctor invented vaccination in the late 1700s, he defeated the most terrifying disease of his time, and also brought ridicule onto his own head. More...
10 Things to Know About Measles
People who are infected with measles can easily pass the virus to more than a dozen people — their germs from a cough or sneeze can linger for up to 2 hours! Find out more. More...
On the Edge: Paralyzing Polio
This comic strip explains the journey to a polio vaccine. More...
What Is Vaccination?
A weakened or harmless pathogen is injected into the patient’s body and starts the immune response, preparing the body to recognize and attack the active pathogen if infected in the future. More...
World Health Organization Declares Smallpox Eradicated
The only disease to be eradicated via vaccination so far is smallpox. Read more. More...
Bird Flu!
Only you can stop the spread of bird flu. Immunize as many birds as you can before the vaccine runs out. More...
Eric Chen: Google Science Fair 2013 Global Finalist
Spurred by how quickly influenza spreads and the rise of new lethal viruses, this 17-year-old developed a novel way to approach fighting the flu. Take a look at his winning work. More...
Future Vaccines
Explore the past, present, and future of vaccines with this radio program. More...
History of Vaccines
Trace the history of vaccination on this interactive timeline. While you're there, learn about careers in vaccine development, the future of vaccines, and more. More...
How to Make a Flu Vaccine
How do you make the flu vaccine? It takes a whole lot of eggs. More...
Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine
Should you get a flu shot? What options are there? Check out this flu shot fact sheet. More...
Rabies
Rabies is easy to prevent with a simple shot, but deadly if contracted. Learn more about this disease. More...
The Beginning of Vaccination
Edward Jenner is credited with the discovery and creation of the first vaccine. He inoculated a small boy with the cowpox virus to protect against the related, but deadlier, smallpox. More...
The Future of Vaccines
Could vaccines be useful for AIDS, malaria, or cancer? See what the future may hold for vaccines. More...
What Vaccines Do You Need?
Some people need specific vaccines depending on their lifestyle — if they plan to travel to certain places or if they work in a hospital, for example. Find out which ones you need in this handy quiz. More...
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