Vaccine Facts and Resources

The best way to learn about vaccination is to speak with your primary care physician and get the facts from trustworthy, evidence-based sources. In addition to consulting with your doctor, you may find the resources on this page helpful.

Girl_bandage_iStock-1286713934 — A photo of a young child getting vaccinated

If you want to know more about how vaccines work, vaccine safety, the health benefits of vaccination, and the risks of not getting vaccinated the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are a great place to start. Another great resource for Michiganders who have children or are expecting children is ivaccinate.org. All three of these resources provide evidence-based vaccine information and recommendations.

MVP Resources

The Public Health Value of Cooperative Extension Promoting Vaccine Education for 30 Years

Published on April 27, 2026
Michigan State University Extension’s vaccine education efforts build on a localized, people-centered approach to public health outreach rooted in trust-based research.
Key Immunology Terms

Published on February 9, 2026
This list of commonly used immunology terms can help you to better understand the science of vaccination.
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ

Published on January 30, 2026
The COVID-19 vaccine has been proven to be safe, effective, and lifesaving. Learn more about how vaccination can protect you and your family from COVID-19.
Protecting the health of Michigan’s residents through vaccine education

Published on October 10, 2024
The Michigan Vaccine Project was a three-year statewide outreach campaign helping Michiganders access trusted, science-based information to make vaccination decisions. Learn about this incredible work in our project impact report.
The Berenstain Bears Go to the Doctor Booksheet

Published on May 16, 2022
Join Mama, Papa, Brother, and Sister, as they head to Doctor Grizzly’s office for their important check-ups where they will have their temperatures taken, their eyes examined, and their ears checked.
Be a Zoonotic Disease Detective Activity Book (4H1671)

Check out the handy tips and learning activities in the Be A "Zoonotic" Disease Detective publication, so that you can learn to be a disease detective too!

MVP Articles

What you need to know about recent respiratory diseases: Flu and RSV

Published on April 23, 2026
Understand the importance of vaccination during increased state and national respiratory disease incidences.
People with diabetes need flu shots

Published on February 11, 2026
Flu shots are one step you can take to stay healthy.
Protecting Others by Promoting COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake

Published on February 10, 2026
COVID-19 vaccines were rolled out in late 2020, but low levels of vaccination among Black Americans remain concerning to community leaders.
How to spot misinformation

Published on February 10, 2026
Empower yourself to critically evaluate scientific information in your daily life.
Health benefits of the outdoors

Published on February 10, 2026
Studies find that time spent outdoors can improve a person’s physical and mental well-being.
Understanding vaccines while pregnant and breastfeeding

Published on February 9, 2026
Learn the benefits and risks of vaccination during pregnancy to make informed healthcare decisions.
Understanding travel vaccinations

Published on February 9, 2026
What you need to know to keep yourself and others safe while you travel.
The importance of Women’s Health Month

Published on February 9, 2026
Health topics to discuss with your doctor in May, and throughout the year.
The importance of rural healthcare

Published on February 9, 2026
Understanding rural Michigan’s healthcare challenges.
Healthy summer living

Published on February 9, 2026
Tips for keeping yourself and others safe this summer.
Michigan Vaccine Project outcomes, January 1, 2023 - June 30, 2023

Published on February 9, 2026
Learn about MSU Extension's vaccine education outreach in Michigan from January 1, 2023 - June 30, 2023.
Rural Farming and Vaccinations

Published on February 4, 2026
Beef farmer Randy Rice of Rice Centennial Farms shares his vaccination story.
How to talk to family and friends about vaccines

Published on February 4, 2026
Ways to bring up vaccinations with family and friends that maintains relationships and sets healthy boundaries.
RSV vaccines on the market for adults over 75

Published on February 3, 2026
RSV vaccines for older adults.
Measles in Michigan

Published on February 3, 2026
Understanding measles and how to prevent infection.
FDA approves RSV vaccine during pregnancy

Published on February 3, 2026
Vaccine approval provides new way to protect infants at birth.
Avian Influenza: What You Need to Know

Published on February 3, 2026
Understanding the H5N1 virus and how to stay safe.
Keeping an eye on meningitis

Published on February 2, 2026
The growing concern around meningitis and what you can do to prevent infection.
Portage pharmacist shares his vaccine experience

Published on January 30, 2026
Pharmacist and Portage, MI, business owner Arun Tandon shares his medical expertise on vaccination and community health and reflects on his experiences as a vaccine provider during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kalamazoo area restaurant owner shares his vaccine experience

Published on January 30, 2026
Texas Corners, MI, restauranteur Jim Chiang shares his experience owning a restaurant during the COVID-19 pandemic
Disability Network West Michigan Discusses Vaccination Within the Disability Community

Published on January 30, 2026
Disability Network West Michigan members Diane Fleser, Brad Hastings, and Jeffery VanDyke share their experiences working with and having disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Article summary: A taxonomy of anti-vaccination arguments

Published on January 30, 2026
A summary of findings of a systematic review of psychological reasons for anti-vaccination attitudes.
Getting vaccinated to get outdoors

Published on January 27, 2026
Retired state trooper, conservationist and Northern Michigan outdoorsman discusses the importance of vaccines in staying healthy to enjoy the outdoors.
My Nursing Story with Kevin Watkins

Published on January 27, 2026
Nurse, Instructor and Port Huron NAACP President Kevin Watkins speaks to his vaccine experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Winter weather and diabetes

Published on November 18, 2025
Follow these simple tips to help feel your best during the colder months.

MVP Webinars

College student vaccine information: Q & A with Dr. Joshua Myerson

Published on September 19, 2024

A Michigan State University student interviews Dr. Joshua Myerson about the vaccinations students should consider for a new school year. Dr. Myerson is the medical director for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, DHD#4 and Benzie Leelanau DHD.
Summer 2024 COVID-19 vaccine update: A conversation with Dr. Ida Rubino

Published on August 16, 2024

Nearly five years since the emergence of COVID-19, the MVP team speaks with Dr. Ida Rubino to learn more about the evolution of the virus, current vaccine recommendations, and what we can expect in the months ahead.
Men's Health Month: A Conversation with Dr. Josh Meyerson and Mark Harris

Published on June 19, 2024

The MVP team and featured guests discuss vaccine hesitancy and the barriers men face when seeking out healthcare.
LGBTQ+ Health: A Conversation with Dr. Ning Hsieh

Published on June 18, 2024

The MVP team spoke with Dr. Ning Hsieh, Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology, Michigan State University, about LGBTQ+ health, including vaccine hesitancy and uptake.
Immunizations for Women: A Conversation with Dr. Gendernalik

Published on May 23, 2024

The Michigan Vaccine Project speaks with Michigan State University's Dr. Bernadette Gendernalik, Family Medicine Physician, about immunizations for women's health.
Measles and Vaccine Hesitancy

Published on May 9, 2024

The MVP team speaks with Michigan State Universiy's Dr. Kathy Hoag, Professor, Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program, and Dr. Anjana Susarla Omura-Saxena, Professor, Responsible AI, about measles and vaccine hesitancy.
Michigan Care Improvement Registry: Q & A

Published on May 9, 2024

The MVP team speaks to Roz Lally and Kelsey Napier from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR) about the state's vaccination record system. Watch this video to learn more about how to access your own immunization record.
Youth questions about vaccinations: A conversation with Dr. Ida Rubino

Published on April 1, 2024

A group of 4-H Community Health Ambassadors from the Michigan Vaccine Project (MVP) speak to Dr. Ida Rubino, from Corewell Health, about all things vaccination.
Safely gathering for the holidays: A conversation with physician Ida Rubino

Published on December 8, 2023

The Michigan Vaccine Project (MVP) spoke with Dr. Ida Rubino from Corewell Health to learn about all of the ways we can gather safely for the holidays, including staying up to date on our vaccinations.
Indigenous Experiences and Perspectives on Immunization

Published on November 29, 2023

The Michigan Vaccine Project team speaks with Joseph Sowmick, Hon.Ph.D., and Susan Sowmick, RN, BSN, from the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe about historical and current Indigenous experiences and perspectives on immunization.
Travel vaccinations a conversation with Dr. Mohamed Satti

Published on October 25, 2023

The MVP team speaks with Dr. Mohamed Satti, Michigan State University's Public Health, Global Studies, and College of Veterinary Medicine, about travel vaccinations.
Ask the Doctor: Addressing Common Vaccine Concerns, Questions, and Myths

Published on August 2, 2023

The MVP team discusses the myths of vaccination with family medicine physician Dr. Allyson Barker. Dr. Barker helps us separate fact from fiction so we can all make informed vaccine decisions for ourselves and our families.
Summer Safety: Vaccines to Consider for Summer Vacations, Sports, Camps, and Programs

Published on July 5, 2023

The Michigan Vaccine Project (MVP) spoke with Dr. Ida Rubino from Corewell Health to learn how routine vaccinations can help keep us safe and healthy during the summertime.
Vaccines While Pregnant and Breastfeeding: A Conversation with Dr. Anita Avery

Published on June 28, 2023

The Michigan Vaccine Project spoke with Dr. Anita Avery from the Michigan State University Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology to learn more about vaccinations and maternal health.
All Things Childhood Immunizations with Dr. Ida Rubino

Published on April 28, 2023

A conversation with Dr. Ida Rubino, family medicine practitioner, from Corewell Health. From newborns to teens, we speak with Dr. Rubino about all things childhood immunizations.
Shingles and Chickenpox: A Conversation with Nurse Practitioner Katie Stanulis

Published on March 31, 2023

Did you know that shingles and chickenpox are two different illnesses caused by the same virus? We spoke Katie Stanulis, nurse practitioner, from the Sparrow Medical Group to learn more about the differences between shingles and chickenpox and the role of vaccination in preventing and managing these diseases.The MVP team speaks with Katie Stanulis, nurse practitioner, from the Sparrow Medical Group.
HPV Vaccination: a Conversation with Dr. Sabrina Ford

Published on January 31, 2023

The MVP team speaks with Dr. Sabrina Ford, Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine to learn about the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Spread Joy, Not Germs/Respiratory Illness Prevention: a Conversation with Dr. Joshua Myerson

Published on December 20, 2022

The MVP team speaks with Dr. Joshua Myerson, the medical director for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, DHD#4, and Benzie Leelanau DHD. We discuss RSV, Flu, COVID-19, and more!
How to Gather Safely for the Holidays

Published on November 16, 2022

For guidance on how to prepare and how to talk with family members about what you need to feel safe during the holiday season join us for a conversation with Katie Stanulis, nurse practitioner, from Sparrow Medical Group and Jonathon Novello, social worker, from Michigan State University.
The Flu Vaccine: a Conversation with Dr. Daniel McGee

Published on October 31, 2022

Do you have questions about the flu vaccine? Pediatrician Dr. Daniel McGee is here to help answer them.

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