Vax and Myths: The Truths and Misconceptions about Vaccination

Discerning Crucial Facts and Myths about Vaccination

Hey, guys! Let’s embark on a quest to unravel the mysteries of vaccines – we’ll deal with common myths and misconceptions, and delve into the data and science behind the facts. According to Chirico et al. (2022), ongoing worries regarding vaccine safety remain a key factor in reducing vaccine acceptance and administration in various settings⁸. 

Identified by the World Health Organization as one of the top ten global health threats (WHO, 2019)²⁵, low vaccination coverage represents a complex challenge. In the U.S., for instance, the national coverage is only 41.6% (CDC, 2023)⁶. This reluctance becomes more pronounced during times of major public health crises, as evidenced by a global willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19 reaching only 50–60% in 2021 (Razai et al., 2021)¹⁹. Let’s delve deeper into this phenomenon and explore the myths surrounding vaccines. With this knowledge, you can influence perceptions, educate others, and advocate for health practices grounded in science and research. 

Vax: Public Health Heroes

Vaccines train your immune system to recognize and combat diseases, acting as a protective shield against formidable foes like measles and polio. But these medical marvels aren’t a new fad; they’ve been around for centuries. 

The journey began with Edward Jenner’s smallpox vaccine in 1796 and has been evolving ever since (Riedel, 2005)²⁰. This rich history highlights their tried-and-true nature in fighting diseases. Vaccines aren’t just a passing trend but a long-standing health strategy.

Myth: The Vaccine-Autism Link

One of the most persistent myths in the vaccine narrative is the purported link between vaccines and autism. The origin of this concern was a study published in 1998 by Wakefield et al., a study that has since been discredited due to significant flaws in its research methodology and ethical violations. 

In response to the concerns raised by Wakefield’s study, a multitude of well-designed, extensive research studies globally have been conducted. These studies, involving large populations and rigorous scientific methods, have consistently and conclusively found that there is no risk of developing autism as a result of vaccination (Dales et al., 2001)⁹. It is noteworthy that The Lancet, the medical journal where Wakefield’s study was initially published, retracted the study in 2010, acknowledging its lack of scientific validity and ethical concerns (Eggertson, 2010)¹².

Vax: Long-term and Damaging Side-Effects?

Vaccines undergo extensive and thorough safety checks to ensure their safety and are constantly under surveillance for any safety concerns. The potential for long-term health issues from vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles, mumps, and rubella, in those who remain unvaccinated against them, is significantly higher (CDC, 2020)³.

Some individuals might experience minor side effects like soreness at the injection site or a temporary fever. However, these reactions are generally brief and indicate that the body’s immune response is preparing for future protection. The World Health Organization (2019)²⁵ also proposed that some “side effects” are actually forms of immunization stress-related responses (ISRRs), which are nocebo effects triggered by the vaccination process but not caused by the vaccine components themselves.

Myth: Experimental Vaccines on Kids?

The notion that children receive experimental vaccines is a significant misconception. In reality, vaccines are meticulously crafted, undergoing extensive and rigorous work before their public release. This process involves a series of detailed clinical trials, where each stage is designed to answer specific questions about the vaccine’s safety and its ability to provoke an immune response. This includes a rigorous three-phase clinical testing process that starts with safety assessments in animal models, followed by human trials: Phase 1 for initial safety in small groups, Phase 2 to evaluate effectiveness in hundreds of volunteers, and Phase 3 to extensively test safety and effectiveness in thousands of subjects (Edwards et al., 2016)¹¹. 

Only after successfully passing the phases closely monitored by regulatory bodies like the FDA can a vaccine be considered for a pediatric use license. This meticulous process, often involving additional post-licensure surveillance, ensures that when a vaccine is administered to children, it is not experimental but a well-tested, proven tool for safeguarding their health.

Vax: The Collective Shield

Vaccines don’t just protect you; they’re like a community-wide protective bubble. This phenomenon, known as herd immunity, happens when most people are vaccinated, greatly reducing disease spread (Desai & Majumder, 2020)¹⁰. This effect is particularly noticeable in preventing vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) like pertussis, COVID-19, polio, and diphtheria. It’s vital for individuals who cannot be vaccinated, as they benefit from the community’s overall immunity. It’s especially crucial for those who can’t get vaccinated, as they gain protection when a sufficient percentage (e.g., more than 80%) of the population is immunized (WHO, 2019)²⁶. 

Moreover, fully collaborative international effort and widespread vaccination can result in the decline and even eradication of persistent and serious diseases, as shown by the smallpox eradication in 1980 (Breman & Arita, 1980)¹. So, getting your shots is not just about you – it’s about keeping everyone safer. 

Myth: The Ingredients Scare

There’s chatter about scary-sounding ingredients in vaccines. Although the ingredients listed on vaccine labels, such as mercury, aluminum, and formaldehyde, might seem daunting, they are commonly present in our bodies, our diets, and our environment. The quantities used in vaccines are minuscule and pose no harm or “poisoning” risk to the body (Woodcock, 2019)²⁴.

Furthermore, vaccines undergo extensive and thorough scientific trials, along with certification by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and national regulatory bodies. This rigorous process ensures their safety and effectiveness. The vaccines available at public clinics are equally safe and effective as those provided in private settings. 

Vax: Continuing Development

The development and evolution of vaccines is a dynamic and ongoing narrative. Scientists worldwide are constantly monitoring and refining vaccines to ensure they stay effective against an ever-changing array of viruses. 

In addition to adapting to new viral threats, the vaccine development process also involves continuous research to enhance delivery methods, reduce potential side effects, and improve accessibility. As our understanding of the immune system deepens, so too does our ability to create more targeted vaccines. This involves biological research and technological advancements, like mRNA vaccine technology, which has been a breakthrough in rapid vaccine development (Zhang, et al., 2023)²⁷. 

Moreover, this ongoing saga of vaccine development isn’t just a scientific endeavor; it’s a global public health mission. It requires collaboration across countries, cultures, and disciplines, ensuring that the benefits of vaccines reach all corners of the world, keeping communities safe and healthy in the face of emerging health challenges (Pilkington et al., 2022)¹⁸.

Myth: Instant Immunity

A common misunderstanding is that vaccines provide instant immunity. In reality, it takes time for the immune system to respond after vaccination. Some vaccines require multiple doses to build full immunity. It’s a process, not an instant fix – think of it as training your immune system over time to become stronger and more efficient in fighting off diseases. 

However, there’s a common concern that receiving multiple vaccines might overload the immune system. In contrast to this belief, the immune system is remarkably robust and well-equipped to handle multiple vaccines without any trouble (WHO, 2019)²⁵. In fact, the components of vaccines are minuscule compared to the myriad of bacteria, viruses, and other substances our immune system encounters and combats daily. 

This remarkable system, evolved over millennia, is more than capable of processing the small antigens present in vaccines specifically designed to be easily managed by the body. Thus, the notion of vaccine overload is unfounded, as our immune system’s capacity for handling these agents is vast, ensuring that vaccines do their job effectively without overwhelming our natural defenses.

Vax: Is Natural Immunity Better?

The appeal to nature bias frequently appears in anti-vaccine narratives, asserting that immunity acquired from vaccines is less effective than natural immunity or that vaccines are redundant if one maintains one’s immune system through healthy lifestyle choices (Kata, 2012)¹⁶. While it’s true that in certain instances, natural immunity can lead to a stronger defense against that disease compared to vaccination, the risks involved make this a highly dangerous approach. 

Take measles as an example: opting for natural immunity by contracting the disease exposes you to a 1 in 500 risk of death due to the illness’s complications. On the other hand, severe allergic reactions to the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine are extremely rare, happening to approximately 0.00001% of vaccine recipients (CDC, 2019)². Further, immunity through vaccination will protect others, while immunity through the disease exposes others to the risk of the disease before and during the time of infection (Greenwood et al., 2016)¹⁴. The safety profile of vaccines, therefore, far outweighs the potential benefits of natural immunity in such cases. 

Final Thoughts

Vaccines are more than just shots; they are testaments to human innovation and a commitment to public health. Understanding the truths about vaccines, separating fact from fiction, and appreciating their role in our lives is essential. Be a champion for your health, an advocate for science, and contribute to a healthier world. Stay informed, stay engaged, and stay healthy – your future self will thank you for it. Ensure you get information from reliable sources to prevent misinformation, too. If you’re looking for verified and accurate information, get it from sources such as the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines & Philippine Pediatric Society. Consult your doctor today, and keep yourself protected!