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Debunking Common Vaccination Myths
The first vaccine was used in 1796, but the idea of inoculating against viruses dates back to the 1400s!
In the past 50 years, vaccines have saved over 154 million lives. Granted, vaccines have changed quite a bit since that first vaccine!
Despite millions of lives saved, there are many vaccine myths. Dr. N'Dama Bamba, MD, MPH, debunks seven common vaccination myths below.
Myth #1: vaccines cause autism
You may have heard that vaccines — particularly the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine — cause autism. This myth originated from a now-debunked study published in 1998 that has since been retracted (in 2010) due to significant procedural errors and ethical violations.
Despite the retraction, researchers estimated that the faulty study had done serious damage by creating a storm of vaccine skepticism.
The good news is that media outlets are now helping to counteract this skepticism by shedding light on the doctor who falsely published the original study. The British Broadcasting Company (BBC) has produced a documentary on the topic.
You can also learn more about the causes of autism through peer-reviewed studies, books at your local library, and Autism Speaks.
Myth #2: vaccines are only for kids
While children receive several vaccines during their early years, adults benefit from them.
Adults typically receive vaccines for influenza, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap), shingles, pneumococcal disease, and, in some cases, hepatitis A and B, and human papillomavirus (HPV).
Adults may also need vaccines for work, to complete their immigration physicals, to volunteer abroad, or to travel to other countries.
Myth #3: vaccines contain dangerous ingredients
Another prevalent myth is that vaccines contain dangerous ingredients. While it’s important to know what you put into your body, it’s also essential to understand why certain ingredients are in vaccines.
For example, vaccines do contain trace amounts of certain preservatives to keep the vaccine from spoiling. Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, is used in some vaccines.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that thimerosal helps prevent bacteria from growing in the vaccine vials. It’s proven safe in the amounts used and easily eliminated from the body post-injection.
While the most common side effects are redness and swelling at the injection site, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the minimal risk posed by these ingredients.
Myth #4: natural immunity is better
Some people believe that acquiring immunity through natural infection is better than vaccine-induced immunity. While natural immunity can provide strong protection, it comes with the risk of severe illness, complications, and even death.
Alternatively, vaccines provide a safe way to develop immunity without the risks associated with the diseases. For example, measles can cause serious complications, such as encephalitis and pneumonia, which are preventable through vaccination.
Children under five, pregnant women, and elderly populations are most at risk of severe complications.
Myth #5: vaccines give you the disease you are trying to avoid
Vaccines expose your immune system to a small, controlled amount of antigens. Your body is trained to recognize those antigens (if exposed) and fight those specific pathogens if and when they appear.
That being said, you can’t “catch” the disease you are trying to prevent with a vaccine.
Myth #6: you shouldn’t get more than one vaccine at a time
There is a misconception that receiving multiple vaccines at once can overwhelm or weaken your immune system. In reality, your immune system is capable of handling numerous challenges simultaneously.
Not only is it safe to receive multiple vaccines according to recommended schedules, but it’s also convenient. One appointment to get protected from multiple diseases!
Here at Dr. Bamba’s Health and Medical Center, we adhere to the CDC’s recommended immunization schedule for children, adolescents, and adults.
Myth #7: vaccines cause severe side effects
While vaccines can cause mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site or a low-grade fever, severe side effects are extremely rare. The majority of vaccine recipients experience no significant adverse effects.
Health authorities rigorously test and monitor vaccines for safety.
As with all providers who administer vaccines, Dr. Bamba is trained to manage and report any adverse reactions through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).
Get up to date with your vaccines
Dr. Bamba and our team at Dr. Bamba's Health and Medical Center team in Glen Burnie, Maryland, offers vaccines to adults and children. Whether you’re due for an annual exam or just have questions about vaccines, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 443-493-7760.