Five Myths About Vaccines

Learn the truth about vaccines and how they prevent the spread of diseases

Did you know that COVID-19, RSV, and the flu increase the risk for hospitalizations?

This is the first season where vaccines are available to prevent all three viruses. Vaccines are an important preventive health measure in keeping your family and your community safe. They work by stimulating your body’s immune system to recognize and attack different diseases and viruses. They are one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of diseases.

Unfortunately, vaccine myths have circulated for years. At Saint Alphonsus Medical Group in Idaho, Sheila Giffen, MD, Executive Medical Director, and Michael Wheaton, MD, Pediatrician, want to set the record straight. Learn the truth behind some common myths about vaccinations and get vaccinated.

Myth 1: Vaccines cause autism.

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that vaccines cause autism. In fact, multiple studies have found no link between vaccines and autism. The myth that vaccines cause autism originated from a now-debunked study published in 1998 by Dr. Andrew Wakefield. Wakefield was later found to have falsified data and had financial ties to a lawyer who was suing vaccine manufacturers.

Myth 2: Vaccines are unsafe.

Vaccines are very safe. They are rigorously tested before they are approved for use. They continue to be monitored for safety after they are approved. The most common side effects of vaccines are mild and go away on their own within a few days. Serious side effects are very rare.

Myth 3: Vaccines contain harmful chemicals.

Vaccines do contain chemicals, but they are safe and necessary to make the vaccine effective. For example, some vaccines contain preservatives to keep them sterile. Other vaccines contain adjuvants, which help to boost the immune response to the vaccine.

Myth 4: I don't need to get vaccinated because other people are vaccinated.

This is known as herd immunity. This occurs when a large enough proportion of a population is vaccinated against a disease that it becomes difficult for the disease to spread. However, herd immunity is only effective if enough people are vaccinated. If vaccination rates drop, there is a risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Myth 5: Vaccines can give you the disease they are supposed to prevent.

This is not possible. Vaccines contain either inactivated or weakened forms of the virus or bacteria that causes the disease. This means that the vaccine cannot cause you to get the disease. However, it is possible to experience mild symptoms, such as a low-grade fever or soreness at the injection site after getting vaccinated. These symptoms are a sign that your body is developing an immune response to the vaccine.

Do you or your child need a flu shot? Find out how you can get it here!