10 Myths & Facts about Vaccines
Vaccines (immunizations) have saved millions of lives. Children need immunizations to protect them from certain dangerous childhood diseases. Vaccines are available to help people of all ages from catching and spreading serious diseases like flu and whooping cough; and getting immunized helps our communities stay healthier by slowing down or stopping the disease from spreading from person to person. High immunization rates help keep diseases like measles from making a comeback. Although the evidence shows vaccines are safe and effective in protecting against dangerous diseases, there is a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation about vaccines. Here are ten myths about vaccines, and the truth behind them.
MYTH #1: Vaccines aren’t safe.
FACT: Vaccines are held to the highest standard of safety. Extensive testing is required by law before a vaccine can be licensed, and once in use, vaccines are continually monitored for safety and effectiveness. The United States currently has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in history.
MYTH #2: Vaccines cause autism.
FACT: The clear consensus in the scientific community is that there is no association between vaccination and autism. Research shows autism rates are the same in vaccinated and unvaccinated children. Twenty-three studies have tested hundreds of thousands of children and found no link between autism and vaccines. The American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, the Institute of Medicine, and World Health Organization all agree that there is no connection between vaccines and autism.
MYTH #3: Combination vaccines or multiple vaccines given at the same time are dangerous.
FACT: Before combination vaccines are licensed for use, extensive studies are done to make sure they are safe and effective. Similar studies are done before multiple vaccines are recommended to be given at the same time. Both practices are safe.
MYTH #4: There is a lot of mercury (Thimerosol) in vaccines, which is dangerous.
FACT: Extensive research has failed to show any consistent link between Thimerosal in vaccines and any health condition, including autism. Thimerosal was removed from all routine child vaccines in 2001.
MYTH #5: We don’t need to vaccinate kids anymore for the same diseases we adults had as children.
FACT: Recent history continues to show that when vaccination rates drop in the population, diseases return. This means that it is still important to get vaccinated when diseases become less common.
MYTH #6: Only children need vaccinations.
FACT: Vaccine-preventable diseases continue to be a threat throughout our lives. Teens need boosters for many childhood diseases, some college-age students need protection from meningitis, adults need vaccines for shingles and pneumonia, everyone needs the flu vaccine and, especially for adults and teens around infants, the pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine.
MYTH #7: A "holistic" lifestyle will bolster our immune systems and protect us from disease.
FACT: Certainly there are steps we can take to reduce our risk of contracting or getting seriously ill from vaccine-preventable diseases, such as washing our hands and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, research has shown over and over that getting vaccinated is by far the safest and best way to avoid the flu.
MYTH #8: Only the elderly need to get vaccinated for the flu.
FACT: Everyone ages 6 months and older should get vaccinated against the flu. Flu vaccines are especially important for people who are in high-risk groups, including seniors, pregnant women, young children, and individuals with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. Children are two to three times more likely to get the flu than adults.
MYTH #9: Getting vaccinated against the flu can actually give you the flu.
FACT: The injectable flu vaccine (flu shot) does not contain live virus and cannot transmit the flu. The nasal spray flu vaccine includes a weakened form of the virus. The likelihood of experiencing any flu-like symptoms after getting vaccinated is extremely low.
MYTH #10: Too many vaccines can overwhelm the immune system.
FACT: Before a vaccine is licensed, extensive studies are done to ensure that the vaccine is effective and does not overwhelm the immune system when given alone, in combination with other vaccines, or in multiple doses over time. The current schedule of recommended vaccinations for all ages is safe for most people.
These myths are based on the Common Myths About Vaccines Debunked by California Department of Public Health director Dr. Mark Horton
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