The Vaccines Project

Vaccine hesitancy has existed for over two centuries, fueled by confusion about how vaccines and our immune system work. Reporter Anna Rothschild explores the origins of vaccines, how they make you immune to disease, and when the first anti-vax sentiments arose.

To understand what is in modern vaccines-and why-let's look back at one of the first lab-created vaccinations that prevented a gruesome childhood illness. Reporter Anna Rothschild will explore why there are things like aluminum, formaldehyde, and mercury in vaccines, and what new vaccine technology is around the corner.

How are vaccines tested for safety? Why do kids get so many shots at once? And is anyone looking out for long-term effects? Reporter Anna Rothschild heads to the National Institutes of Health to figure out just how safe vaccines really are.