Myths and facts around vaccines – here’s what you need to know
In some countries, consistent supply and cold storage issues are preventing children from being immunized, but myths around vaccines are discouraging parents from immunizing their children with potentially disastrous consequences.
Despite all the advances in immunization, 1.5 million children still die annually from vaccine-preventable diseases. In recent years 25 countries reported a decrease in immunization since 2010 which can be partly attributed to false myths around vaccines.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends routine vaccination to prevent 16 vaccine-preventable diseases that can occur in infants, children, teens or adults.
Vaccination is the safest way to protect against disease
Vaccines produce an immune response similar to that produced by the natural infection, but without the serious risks of death or disability connected with natural infection.
Combined vaccines are safe and beneficial
Giving several vaccines at the same time has no negative effect on a child’s immune system. It reduces discomfort for the child, and saves time and money. Children are exposed to more antigens from a common cold than they are from vaccines.
There is no link between vaccines and autism
Myths about autism and vaccines still linger. There is no scientific evidence to link the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine with autism or autistic disorders. A 1998 study that linked vaccines to autism was retracted by the British medical journal The Lancet, and the lead author of the paper lost his medical licence. Another British medical journal concluded that the original study misrepresented or altered the medical histories of all 12 of the patients whose cases formed the basis of the study.
Vaccines and the preservative thimerosal
The preservative thimerosal contained a very low concentration of a mercury compound. The Food and Drug Administration stopped issuing licences for children’s vaccines that used the preservative in 2001; a trace amount is still in some children’s flu vaccines. Among many studies done, none show a correlation with autism or other serious side effects, the FDA says.
Get vaccinated, even when the risk of infection seems low
Deadly diseases that seem to have been eradicated return when immunization rates drop. Only by immunization can vaccine-preventable diseases be held in check.
Stopping vaccination will result in deadly diseases returning
In spite of better hygiene, sanitation and access to safe water, infections still spread. When people are not vaccinated, infectious diseases that have become uncommon can quickly return.
Side effects of vaccines
Vaccines, like any medicine, may cause side effects, but most are usually minor and short-lived. For example, some children will, after being vaccinated, complain that their arms feel sore or they may experience a mild fever. Serious reactions can happen, but they are extremely rare.
Vaccine Safety Net
Vaccine Safety Net, a global network of vaccine safety websites certified by the World Health Organization (WHO), provides easy access to accurate and trustworthy information on vaccines. The network has 47 member websites in 12 languages, and reaches more than 173 million people every month with credible information on vaccine safety, helping to counter harmful misinformation.
