Let's Talk Shots

Let's Talk Shots Created by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health's Institute for Vaccine Safety. And we provide scientific answers in fun and interesting ways.

LetsTalkShots.org is a source of science-based vaccine information created by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Institute for Vaccine Safety. By speaking with people just like you, we understand the type of information people need when making decisions about vaccines for themselves and their families. See for yourself the power of personalized vaccine information by taking the survey at LetsTalkShots.org

How can we be sure a vaccine is safe?The FDA requires that vaccines meet rigorous safety standards before they’re approv...
02/14/2024

How can we be sure a vaccine is safe?

The FDA requires that vaccines meet rigorous safety standards before they’re approved for the public.

This process includes multiple clinical trial phases. Each phase is reviewed by a Data and Safety Monitoring Board - an independent panel of experts that assesses all safety data and can immediately stop a trial due to unacceptable safety risks. These experts don’t have any stake in whether the vaccine is used.

If all trial phases demonstrate that the vaccine benefits are greater than the risks for the people intended to get the vaccine, the FDA can license the vaccine for human distribution.

And for as long as the vaccine is being manufactured, pharmaceutical companies must provide the FDA with samples from each vaccine batch for testing before distribution can continue.

Do you have more questions about vaccines? Take a short survey at LetsTalkShots.org to get personalized information so you can make informed vaccine decisions.

With so many respiratory illnesses circulating this time of year, worries about getting RSV can be stressful. You may a...
02/14/2024

With so many respiratory illnesses circulating this time of year, worries about getting RSV can be stressful.

You may already know that an RSV vaccine was recently released to help prevent the disease. If you have questions about whether the vaccine is right for you, check with your physician.

And if you’re concerned about costs, check with your insurance company or local vaccine sites. The RSV vaccine may be available for a low cost in your area.

Let’s Talk Shots is here to help you get the information you need to make informed vaccine decisions. To get your vaccine questions answered, take the survey at LetsTalkShots.org.

How common is HPV? Very common – more than 8 out of every 10 people will get it. For most people, the infection goes awa...
02/13/2024

How common is HPV? Very common – more than 8 out of every 10 people will get it.
For most people, the infection goes away on its own. But in some, it can develop into a lingering infection that may cause cancer.

Because most infected people have no symptoms, they can unknowingly transmit HPV to others.

The HPV vaccine can protect you from an HPV infection and six different types of cancer.
Have more questions about HPV? Visit LetsTalkShots.org to take a short survey and watch short videos that can help you make informed vaccine decisions.

In the 1940s, pertussis (also known as whooping cough) was common in children. Up until the 1950s, parents worried about...
02/06/2024

In the 1940s, pertussis (also known as whooping cough) was common in children. Up until the 1950s, parents worried about their children getting polio. And in the 1960s, almost every child contracted the measles. 🦠

These three childhood diseases are dangerous, each leading to complications and, sometimes, even death.

Fortunately, the widespread use of vaccines over the past several decades has greatly reduced cases of these diseases. But polio, pertussis, and measles are all still around.

Because these diseases now appear to be rare, it’s easy to ignore them. However, data show that when fewer children are vaccinated, these viruses are more likely to reappear.

At Let's Talk Shots, you can view short videos to learn more about these dangerous diseases and make informed vaccine decisions for your family.
Get started by taking a quick survey at LetsTalkShots.org.

Following a vaccination, some people will experience temporary soreness at the injection site or feel lousy as their imm...
02/01/2024

Following a vaccination, some people will experience temporary soreness at the injection site or feel lousy as their immune system builds protection against a disease.

These reactions disappear within a few days and are minimal compared to getting infected with the actual diseases vaccines protect against.

Have more questions about vaccines? Get answers at LetsTalkShots.org.

If you’re disabled, you may be eligible for vaccinations through Medicare Part B, which covers flu, hepatitis B, and pne...
01/29/2024

If you’re disabled, you may be eligible for vaccinations through Medicare Part B, which covers flu, hepatitis B, and pneumococcal vaccines at little or no cost to you.

Medicare Part D plans may cover some other vaccines, too, such as shingles, tetanus, or whooping cough.

You may be eligible for free transportation if you need help getting to a vaccination site. Medicaid commonly pays for rides to and from medical appointments.

Contact your local health department or healthcare provider to see if you qualify.

Have more vaccine questions? Visit LetsTalkShots.org.

Tdap stands for tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (also known as whooping cough). These bacterial diseases us...
01/27/2024

Tdap stands for tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (also known as whooping cough).

These bacterial diseases used to be common but are much less so now because of vaccines. However, whooping cough is making a comeback.

Because immunity decreases over time, a Tdap vaccine once every ten years may help you stay protected.

Have more questions about Tdap? Get your questions answered by taking the survey at LetsTalkShots.org.

FAQ: What can the MMR vaccine protect my baby against?The MMR vaccine is highly effective in protecting babies against m...
01/25/2024

FAQ: What can the MMR vaccine protect my baby against?

The MMR vaccine is highly effective in protecting babies against measles, mumps, and rubella. Vaccinated children are far less likely to become infected and seriously ill with these diseases.

Have more questions about the MMR vaccine?

When you visit LetsTalkShots.org, you’ll get personalized answers to your vaccine questions so you can make the best decision for you and your family. Get started by taking the survey at LetsTalkShots.org.

Is using a pain reliever before a vaccination a good idea if my child is afraid of needles?Using a pain reliever -- such...
01/17/2024

Is using a pain reliever before a vaccination a good idea if my child is afraid of needles?
Using a pain reliever -- such as Tylenol or Motrin -- is not advised before a vaccination because it may reduce the immune response to the vaccine, leading to worse protection.

Fortunately, the CARD system can improve the vaccination experience for your child. Each letter of CARD refers to one of four sets of coping strategies.

C - COMFORT - let them make small decisions surrounding their vaccination to help them feel more in control.
A - ASK - Ask your healthcare provider what to expect and then share appropriate information with your child.
R - RELAX - The more nervous someone is, the more fear and pain they experience. So, staying relaxed is key.
D - DISTRACT - Children can take their minds off their vaccinations by using their cell phones, reading a book, or bringing an item to play with.

Let’s Talk Shots is here to answer your vaccine questions. See the power of personalized vaccine information by taking the survey at LetsTalkShots.org.

RSV is a contagious virus that’s especially dangerous for some seniors. Why? Because a senior’s immune system may be wea...
01/06/2024

RSV is a contagious virus that’s especially dangerous for some seniors. Why? Because a senior’s immune system may be weak, making them more susceptible to catching the virus.

A new RSV vaccine for adults 60 and older is now available. Get your vaccine questions answered at LetsTalkShots.org, then speak to your physician about whether the RSV vaccine is right for you or your loved one.

If you’re wondering whether vaccines are right for you or your loved ones, learn more at LetsTalkShots.org.

Clean water, good sanitation, and widely used vaccines have significantly reduced once common, widespread diseases. So, ...
12/27/2023

Clean water, good sanitation, and widely used vaccines have significantly reduced once common, widespread diseases. So, why are we still vaccinating against rare diseases?

Recent events point to what happens when we stop vaccinating. For example, the number of children getting the MMR vaccine across Europe and the US has declined in recent years. Not surprisingly, Europe and the US are now seeing measles outbreaks.

Choosing to vaccinate is one way to prevent rare and dangerous diseases from returning.

Have more questions about vaccines?
Get answers to your questions at LetsTalkShots.org.

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