Top 7 Vaccine Myths Debunked by Pediatricians

Vaccines, the most effective & blessed innovation of modern healthcare, are significantly saving millions of lives. It helps in preventing various serious illnesses that used to be fatal before. However, we are still dealing with many myths or misinformation about the vaccines that circulates among people, especially online, that prevent people from accessing this blissful care. These myths only create fear and confusion among people. Here in this blog, we will debunk such 7 common vaccine myths to keep you aware & informed. These pieces of information have been deliberately taken from the best paediatricians in Kurukshetra from Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital. 

Myth 1: Vaccines Cause Autism

This myth has a long history that links to the stories of falsely accusing the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine to autism. This myth is circulating from back 1990s and still persists in many places in the world. Since then, numerous studies have been conducted by the highly authoritative organizations WHO, CDC, and Indian Academy of Pediatrics, such as has proven no link between the MMR vaccine to induce autism. The studies have shown that the MMR vaccine is completely safe for all. 

The best paediatricians in Kurukshetra from Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital explain that autism started to appear in the same timeline when this vaccine was introduced, which unfortunately correlated these two. However, these vaccines have no part in increasing the risk of autism. 

Myth 2: Natural Immunity is Better Than Vaccine-Induced Immunity

This mythical concept of building natural immunity by letting children contract diseases is more common in the case of measles or chickenpox. But the reality is that these diseases can cause severe health complications such as pneumonia, brain damage, or even death. Natural infection may induce natural immunity, but sometimes it can cost life as well. On the other hand, vaccines are tested, safe, and provide long-term protection against many fatal diseases without any risk associated. Always remember, “safe immunity is smart immunity” and vaccines bring you that. 

Myth 3: Too Many Vaccines Overload a Child’s Immune System

The most common concern often raised by new parents is whether the current vaccine schedule is too much for the kids! We need to understand that the children’s immune system is too fragile and gets exposed to countless germs every day. 

The best paediatricians in Kurukshetra from Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital explain that modern vaccines come with a much lower number of antigens than past. Hence, even though the children receive more vaccines, they are safer & do not overload their immune system. 

Myth 4: Vaccines Contain Harmful Ingredients

Some parents raise concerns regarding the presence of mercury (in the form of thimerosal), aluminum, or formaldehyde in vaccines. Well, that’s the story from the past, and these ingredients are no longer used in pediatric vaccines. 

For example, even though studies have shown that thimerosal is safe yet this component has been removed from most pediatric vaccines as a precaution. Aluminum is still used in few vaccines but in such a small quantity that it’s less than the alunium we consume everyday through food itake. 

Myth 5: Vaccines Are Only Necessary in Childhood

Yes, pediatric vaccinations are a must, but you need to remember that immunization is not a one-time event. Many of the childhood vaccines require booster shots in later life. For example, HPV vaccines are recommended to take booster shots in adolescence or adulthood.

The best paediatricians in Kurukshetra from Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital offer adolescent vaccine programs to ensure that your child’s immunity is kept strong through the teenage years & adulthood. We encourage a regular focus on the vaccine schedule even after the early childhood days to ensure a healthy life for your child. 

Myth 6: Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Are No Longer a Threat

This is a myth that can spoil your kid’s health for life. For example, India has indeed been declared polio-free in 2014, but it does not mean that you can avoid the immunization programs. If we look at the world, this condition is still present in many regions and the only way to prevent it is to get your child immunized in time. 

The same applies in the case of measles; skipping vaccination can risk your health.  Declining immunization rates can certainly increase the chances of a measles outbreak. Even if the nation’s population is immune against this infection, yet we need to continue the vaccination process for the childrens to keep the system going on. 

Myth 7: It’s Okay to Delay Vaccines

It’s never okay to delay the vaccine schedule, you are just leaving your child vulnerable during their developmental stage. Parents often think that spacing out the vaccine schedule gives their child time to “adjust” but it’s not true at all. Delaying vaccinations increases the risk of your child getting infected. The best paediatricians in Kurukshetra recommend following the vaccination schedule as suggested by the pediatrician. 

Final Thoughts

With increasing inclination towards social media for information has raised the chances of spreading such misinformation quickly. Vaccines are crucial for public health and the spread of such myths can be very dangerous. 

It is good to have doubts and concerns about our child’s health, but you must get advice from healthcare professionals instead of believing in such myths. Sri Balaji Arogyam Hospital has a team of the best paediatricians in Kurukshetra who are known for their expertise and commitment towards pediatric wellness. They are well-versed with the science of vaccination technology and will guide you with the best pieces of advice.

Always remember that getting your child vaccination is not just a personal decision but its about the healthier future of your entire society.