Vaccines 101: debunking common myths and ensuring your child's health

Vaccines have been a cornerstone of public health for over a century, protecting millions from deadly and debilitating diseases. Despite overwhelming evidence supporting their safety and effectiveness, myths and misconceptions about vaccines persist, causing unnecessary fear and hesitancy. Understanding the truth about vaccines is crucial to ensuring your child's health and the well-being of the community.

Myth 1: vaccines cause autism

One of the most persistent and harmful myths is that vaccines, particularly the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, cause autism. This belief stems from a discredited 1998 study that has been thoroughly debunked and retracted due to serious flaws and ethical violations. Extensive research, involving millions of children worldwide, has found no link between vaccines and autism. Leading health organisations, including the CDC, WHO, and the American Academy of Paediatrics, affirm that vaccines are safe and do not cause autism.

Myth 2: Vaccines contain harmful toxins

Another common concern is that vaccines contain harmful chemicals. While it’s true that vaccines contain trace amounts of preservatives, stabilisers, and adjuvants, these ingredients are used to ensure safety and effectiveness.

For example, aluminum is used in small amounts to boost the immune response, and formaldehyde is used in vaccine production to inactivate viruses. The levels of these substances in vaccines are far below harmful thresholds and are considered safe by regulatory bodies worldwide.

Myth 3: Natural immunity is better than vaccine-induced immunity

Some believe that it’s better for children to contract diseases naturally to build stronger immunity. While it’s true that surviving certain infections can lead to long-lasting immunity, the risks of complications, such as pneumonia, encephalitis, or death, far outweigh any potential benefits. Vaccines provide immunity without exposing children to the serious dangers of diseases like measles, whooping cough, or polio.

Myth 4: Too many vaccines overwhelm the immune system

The concern that the current vaccine schedule overwhelms a child's immune system is unfounded. In reality, children are exposed to far more antigens (substances that trigger an immune response) in daily life than they receive from vaccines. The immune system is equipped to handle multiple vaccines at once without any adverse effects. Delaying vaccines, on the other hand, can leave children vulnerable to preventable diseases during critical periods.

Ensuring your child’s health

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect your child from serious diseases. By staying informed and debunking myths, you are taking an important step in ensuring not only your child’s health but also the health of those around them. Vaccines save lives—let’s trust science and ensure a healthier future for all.