Debunking 7 Common Myths About Vaccination
Vaccines have saved millions of lives around the world. But even today, many people still believe in false information about vaccines. These wrong beliefs, or myths, can stop people from taking the right decision. In this article, we will break down 7 common vaccine myths & explain the truth with facts. Let’s understand the real picture.
Myth 1: Vaccines cause the disease they are supposed to prevent:
Truth: This is not true. Most vaccines are made from either inactive (dead) viruses or a very weak form of the virus or bacteria. These are designed to train your immune system safely without causing disease.
Myth 2: Vaccines have serious side effects:
Truth: Most people may have only mild side effects like fever or swelling at the injection site. Serious side effects are very rare and doctors are trained to manage them.
Myth 3: Natural immunity is better than vaccine immunity:
Truth: Getting infected naturally means risking serious illness, hospitalisation, or death. Vaccines help your body develop immunity in a safe and controlled way, without the dangers of the actual disease.
Myth 4: Too many vaccines can weaken a child's immune system:
Truth: This is completely false. Babies are exposed to thousands of germs every day. Vaccines only use a tiny part of the immune system’s strength.
Myth 5: Vaccines contain harmful ingredients like mercury:
Truth: Vaccines used in India are safe and approved by health authorities. Some vaccines used to contain a mercury-based preservative called thimerosal, but even that was in very small, safe amounts.
Myth 6: Vaccines cause autism:
Truth: This myth started from a fake study published in 1998, which has now been proven wrong and removed from journals. Many large studies in the USA, UK, and other countries found no link between vaccines and autism.
Myth 7: Adults don't need vaccines:
Truth: Vaccines are not only for children. Adults also need protection from diseases like flu, hepatitis, typhoid, and more—especially if they travel, have chronic illness, or are older.
Need Help or Vaccine Advice?
Visit Sun Speciality Clinic for Infectious Diseases, Coimbatore.
Dr. A Murali is a highly experienced Infectious Disease Specialist in Coimbatore, with over 20 years of medical practice and more than a decade of focused expertise in treating complex infections. He currently consults at Sun Speciality Clinic for Infectious Diseases in Ramanathapuram, Coimbatore.