Vaccine IQ Quiz: Can You Spot Fact vs. Fiction?

August is National Immunization Awareness Month — the perfect time to check in on your vaccine knowledge. Vaccines aren’t just for kids. Staying up to date on immunizations is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you from serious illnesses.

Think you know the facts? Take the quiz below to find out.

True or false?

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1. The first vaccine developed was against smallpox. 

True. The first vaccine was developed in 1796 by a British doctor, Edward Jenner. The word vaccine comes from a Latin word relating to cows. That's because the first vaccine was based on cowpox, a mild disease of cattle and people, but it also protected against the much more deadly smallpox virus. 

2. The best time to get a flu shot is December or January, when flu season starts.

False. The best time to get this shot is when it becomes available in your community, usually in September, October or November — before flu season peaks.

3. Measles was eliminated in the U.S., so getting vaccinated is no longer necessary.

False. While measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, outbreaks can still happen — especially in areas with lower vaccination rates or increased international travel. As of June 25, 2025, two new cases were confirmed in King County, bringing the statewide total to 10 so far this year. If you’re unsure whether you’ve had the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, ask your provider about a simple blood test to check your immunity.

4. Vaccines work by teaching your immune system to know what the real infection looks like.

True. Before vaccines, the only way to become immune to a disease was to actually get it and survive it. Vaccines provide an easier and less risky way to become immune. A vaccine trains the immune system by appearing like a natural infection.

Stay on Top of Your Health

Regular preventive care is key to staying healthy. Routine checkups are more than just blood pressure and weight checks — they’re a chance to talk with your primary care provider about screenings, vaccines, and ways to prevent illness before it starts.

To see which vaccines are recommended by age, visit the Washington State Department of Health.