Vaccines have saved millions of lives and almost helped eliminate diseases like smallpox, measles, and polio. It put an end to COVID-19 lockdowns worldwide. Yet vaccination myths persist because of fear and mistrust fueled by the spread of false information on social media.
To get to the facts, it helps to trust the experts to help clarify misconceptions about vaccines. Here are eight vaccine myths debunked by medical professionals and scientific communities.
Myth 1: COVID-19 Vaccine Was Developed Too Quickly to be Safe
FACT: Global cooperation and decades of scientific research allowed the production of the COVID-19 vaccine to happen in record time. Johns Hopkins Medicine points out that the technologies used for COVID-19 vaccines have been developed for years to prepare for outbreaks of infectious viruses. The World Health Organization (WHO) also provides documentation to show safety protocols were met during the vaccine development. You will also find facts about COVID-19 vaccines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Myth 2: COVID-19 Vaccination Is Unnecessary After Recovering From the Virus
FACT: Research shows unvaccinated individuals who have had COVID-19 are more than twice as likely to be reinfected compared to those who have been vaccinated. Even if immunity occurs after recovering from COVID-19, this protection can wane over time. Booster shots are recommended to maintain adequate immunity against potential outbreaks, especially with COVID-19, which has mutated and produced new variants.
Myth 3: Vaccines Make People Sick
FACT: Some people can experience mild side effects, such as soreness in the injection area, fatigue, or low-grade fever, but these are temporary. WHO says severe side effects rarely occur. Consult a doctor for any health issues that may arise after vaccination.
Myth 4: Vaccines Cause Autism and SIDS in Children
Fact: This is one of the most pervasive vaccination myths that goes viral on social media time and time again. Science still has not determined the cause of autism and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), but it has established that vaccines are not the culprits of these conditions. No evidence shows that routine childhood vaccinations can lead to SIDS. Numerous scientific studies have consistently shown there is no link between the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine and the development of autism. The original research that spread this false information has already been debunked and proven fraudulent.
Myth 5: Natural Immunity From the Disease Is Better than Vaccination.
Fact: Vaccines provide a much safer way to build immunity against various diseases than natural infection, which comes with the risk of severe illness. Some vaccine-preventable diseases can even result in death. WHO estimates that 128,000 people (mostly unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children under the age of 5) died from measles in 2021. Meanwhile, measles vaccination has prevented 56 million deaths between 2000 and 2021.
Myth 6: Vaccines Contain Harmful Toxins
Fact: Vaccines undergo rigorous testing and are composed of carefully selected ingredients in safe amounts. Common misconceptions often arise around substances like thimerosal and aluminum salt. Thimerosal, a mercury-containing compound, is used in some multi-dose vaccine vials to prevent bacterial contamination. The aluminum salt in some vaccines enhances the body's immune response.
Myth 7: Herd Immunity Offers Better Protection than Vaccines
Fact: "Herd immunity" occurs when a large proportion of the population becomes immune to a contagious disease, reducing the risk of the disease spreading. However, the number of people who must be immune to achieve herd immunity can vary depending on the disease. Highly contagious diseases like measles typically require over 95% of the population to be resistant to effectively stop the spread of the disease.
Relying on herd immunity through natural infection alone endangers vulnerable individuals and can lead to long-term health consequences. Vaccination provides a safer and more controlled way to build immunity without the risks of natural infection.
Myth 8: Vaccinations Give People the Disease They Are Designed to Prevent
FACT: Most vaccines are made with inactivated or weakened forms of the virus or bacteria, making it impossible to contract the disease, says the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. These vaccines enable the immune system to produce antibodies to protect against the disease.
Vaccines remain a scientifically proven, effective, and ethical approach to protecting the world against infectious diseases. Some people underestimate vaccination’s importance because they may have no experience of how vaccines help. Misinformation also often taps into emotional concerns and fears.
Vaccination myths persist for various reasons, so talk to a doctor about misgivings. Understand how vaccination works from reputable health sources. And stay informed to live a healthier, longer, and better life.
