Vaccines are one of the greatest achievements in medical science. They save millions of lives every year by preventing serious diseases like measles, influenza, hepatitis, and COVID-19. Yet, despite their proven safety, myths and misinformation still make people afraid or hesitant to get vaccinated. Many people skip vaccines for themselves or their children due to false claims shared online or in conversations.
Experts say that this fear often comes from misunderstanding how vaccines work. Vaccines don’t cause the disease — they train your immune system to fight it. By understanding the facts and clearing up the myths, people can protect themselves, their families, and their communities from preventable illnesses.
Vaccines are created after years of careful research and testing. Before being approved for public use, they go through multiple stages of clinical trials to check safety, effectiveness, and possible side effects. Even after approval, health authorities continue to monitor vaccines to make sure they remain safe.
According to Dr Bobby Sadawarti, Consultant Paediatrician, Neonatologist, Allergist, and Lactation Expert at AIMS Hospital, Dombivli, vaccines don’t just protect individuals — they also help the entire community. This concept is called herd immunity, which means when enough people are vaccinated, it reduces the spread of infection to those who cannot take vaccines due to health reasons, such as allergies or weak immune systems.
However, despite these benefits, myths and false beliefs continue to circulate. It’s important to address these one by one so that more people feel confident about getting vaccinated.
Myth 1: Vaccines cause the disease they are meant to prevent
Fact: This is completely false. Vaccines are made from weakened or inactive parts of a virus or bacteria, which are not strong enough to cause illness. Instead, they help your immune system learn how to recognise and fight the infection in the future. After vaccination, some people may have mild symptoms like low fever, body ache, or pain at the injection site. These are normal signs that the body is building protection, not signs of infection.
Myth 2: Vaccines cause autism or long-term health issues
Fact: Many scientific studies across the world have proven that vaccines do not cause autism. This myth began from a single, false study that has long been discredited. Vaccines are tested for safety in thousands of people before approval. The side effects that may occur are usually mild and temporary, such as fever or tiredness. Parents should not believe rumours or misleading posts on social media — vaccines are safe, effective, and essential for their child’s health.
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Myth 3: Adults don’t need vaccines
Fact: Immunisation isn’t just for children. Adults also need vaccines to stay protected from diseases such as flu, pneumonia, shingles, and tetanus. Over time, immunity can fade, or new infections can appear, so adults should talk to their doctors about what vaccines they might need. For example, the flu shot is recommended every year, and the COVID-19 booster helps maintain protection against new variants.
Myth 4: Natural immunity is better than vaccine immunity
Fact: While it’s true that recovering from an illness can give immunity, the risks are far greater. Diseases like measles, polio, or COVID-19 can lead to serious complications or even death. Vaccines, on the other hand, provide safe protection without causing the illness itself. It’s always better to prevent a disease than to suffer from it.
Myth 5: Vaccines have dangerous chemicals
Fact: Vaccines contain small amounts of stabilisers and preservatives that make them safe and effective during storage. These ingredients are used in extremely small quantities and are approved by health authorities. They prevent contamination and ensure the vaccine works properly. None of these substances are harmful in the tiny doses used in vaccines.
Misinformation spreads easily, especially through social media, where false claims can reach thousands of people in minutes. The best way to fight this is through awareness and education. People should rely on trusted sources such as government health websites, doctors, or official health organisations like the WHO and UNICEF.
Dr Sadawarti emphasises that parents and adults must ask questions and clear doubts directly with healthcare professionals. “Vaccines don’t just protect you — they protect everyone around you,” she says. When more people are vaccinated, it reduces the chance of disease outbreaks and helps keep communities healthy.
Another important point is that mild side effects after vaccination, such as body ache, soreness, or slight fever, are temporary and go away in one or two days. These are normal reactions that show your body is responding to the vaccine. Serious side effects are extremely rare.
Vaccination is not just about preventing one illness — it’s about creating a healthier future for everyone. By getting vaccinated, you protect newborns, the elderly, and people with weak immunity who can’t receive vaccines themselves. It is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stop the spread of dangerous diseases.
The message is clear: Vaccines are safe, tested, and lifesaving. Don’t let fear or misinformation stop you from protecting yourself and your loved ones. If you haven’t received your recommended vaccines, talk to your doctor and get vaccinated as soon as possible.
By spreading facts and fighting myths, we can ensure that everyone enjoys the benefits of a world protected through vaccination.
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