Vaccines: Myth Versus Fact

There are many common misconceptions regarding vaccines. If you find yourself trying to decide if you’re for or against them, here is some evidence-based information offered to clear up any confusion.

Myth: Vaccines don’t work.

Fact: Vaccines are extremely effective. The use of vaccines completely eliminated smallpox and has nearly eliminated many other serious diseases such as measles, a serious respiratory illness that severely effects children.

Sometimes, people still get sick with a disease that they’ve gotten vaccinated for. This is by far the most common for diseases that mutate rapidly, like influenza and COVID-19. But getting vaccinated can still help you avoid more serious illness than if you had not gotten vaccinated.

Myth: Vaccines cause autism

Fact: There is no proof that vaccines cause autism. This myth originated from one study published over two decades ago. This study has since been discredited by its own authors.

Scientists think that autism is a genetic condition. As a result, timing may be behind why it seems that vaccines and autism are related. Some children begin to show signs of autism around the same time they receive the vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella.

Myth: Vaccines contain harmful ingredients

Fact: Vaccines don’t contain full-strength germs and don’t contain ingredients that can harm persons who take the vaccine. Vaccines are mostly water.

Some vaccines contain a pretend version of an infection, others contain a portion of a virus or bacteria and others contain a weakened version of a germ.

Myth: Vaccines aren’t regulated and can’t be trusted

Fact: Medical organizations constantly monitor the safety of vaccines and respond to safety concerns, including sharing information with the public. We trust the rigorous process required for approval of all vaccines, and we expect more research. In the meantime, we are confident in recommending childhood vaccines to our patients.

The CDC, FDA and other agencies are discussing additional studies that can help investigate the risk of aluminum exposure from routine childhood vaccines.

Myth: Natural immunity is just as good as vaccination

Fact: Vaccines provide better immunity because you don’t get sick with a disease to get that immunity. Many preventable diseases are dangerous and can cause lasting side effects. It’s much safer—and easier—to get vaccines, instead. Plus, being vaccinated helps keep you from  spreading the disease to unvaccinated people around you.

Myth: Pregnant people can’t take vaccines

Fact: Pregnant people can and should get vaccines while pregnant. This includes the  flu vaccine and other seasonal vaccines.

Additionally,  a baby develops immunity when their mother gets a vaccine. And vaccines can protect the baby for a few months after they’re born. This is especially important because newborn babies don’t have fully developed immune systems. If they become sick, it can be very serious.

However, the immunity a baby gets from their mother only lasts for a few months after birth. That’s why it’s also important your baby receives all suggested vaccinations from your doctor.

Myth: Declining a vaccine for my child is only a personal decision

Fact: Choosing not to get your child vaccinated is a decision that doesn’t just affect you and your child. At the very least, you need to tell your doctor and other medical professionals. They need to know so they can best determine how to care for your child if they become sick.

Vaccines are also required for many activities. Not having the appropriate vaccine can mean your child could be barred from school or travel.

Finally, not vaccinating your child affects your community. When many individuals have immunity to a disease, that protects people who aren’t or can’t be vaccinated. This is called herd immunity. If not enough people are vaccinated, deadly diseases like measles can return.

Myth: COVID-19 vaccines were developed too fast to be safe

Fact: The technology used to develop the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines is not new. It has been extensively studied and used in cancer research. Additionally, mRNA vaccines have been studied for other infections including Zika, flu, and HIV. Read more from the CDC.

The clinical trials for the COVID-19 vaccines were done with the same strictness as all vaccine trials. The results have been reviewed and approved by multiple independent advisory panels. The vaccines were developed faster due to increased collaboration and use of newer technology. Researchers also had more funding due to the severity of the pandemic.

Myth: Vaccines exist to deliver microchips into your body

Fact: COVID-19 vaccines do not contain microchips. Vaccines are developed to fight against disease and are not administered to track your movement. Vaccines work by stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies, exactly like it would if you were exposed to the disease. After getting vaccinated, you develop immunity to that disease, without having to get the disease first.

Learn more about the ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccinations authorized for use in the United States.

Myth: Vaccines alter your DNA

Fact: Vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way. This is not possible. Both messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and viral vector vaccines work by delivering instructions (genetic material) to our cells to start building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19 or other diseases. They do not rewrite your DNA when that occurs.

Myth: Vaccines have negative side effects.

Fact: Side effects can be common with vaccines. In fact, your doctor may tell you to expect minor side effects. However, the benefit of getting vaccines outweighs the possibility of side effects. Possible common side effects include pain, redness, and swelling near the injection site; a low-grade fever of less than 100.3 degrees; a headache; and a rash.

Severe side effects of vaccines are rare. If you experience a severe issue after getting a vaccine, let your doctor know right away.

Myth: Vaccines cause autism spectrum disorder.

Fact: There is proof that vaccines do not cause autism. A study published more than 20 years ago first suggested that vaccines cause the disability known as autism spectrum disorder. However, that study has been proven to be false. Researchers have studied vaccines and autism and haven’t found anything that links the two. Instead, scientists have found a gene that’s linked to autism. That means children with autism have had the gene for it since birth.

Timing may be behind why people believe vaccines and autism are related. Some children begin to show signs of autism spectrum disorder around the same time they receive the vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella.

Myth: Vaccinations aren’t safe to get while pregnant.

Fact: Actually, the opposite is true. The CDC recommends pregnant women get the vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough. Additionally, if the woman is pregnant during influenza season, it’s recommended she get the flu vaccine, too. These vaccines can protect the mother—and the baby.

A baby develops immunity when their mother gets a vaccine. And vaccines can protect the baby for a few months after they’re born. This is especially important because newborn babies don’t have fully developed immune systems. If they become sick, it can be very serious. However, the immunity a baby gets from their mother only lasts for a few months after birth. That’s why it’s important your baby receives all suggested vaccinations from your doctor.

Myth: I don’t have to tell anyone if I choose to not vaccinate my child.

Fact: If you choose not to vaccinate your child, you need to tell certain people. These include your doctor and other medical professionals. They need to know so they can best determine how to care for your child if they become sick. Additionally, your child’s daycare, school, or babysitter should know.

Vaccines are required for many activities. Not having the appropriate vaccine can interfere with your plans. These instances include:

• School (K-12 and college dorm life)
• Travel

The AAFP recommends immunizing all children, adolescents, and adults using the AAFP recommendations unless certain allergies of illnesses prevent it. Talk to your doctor about any conditions you currently have and the impact of the vaccine on that condition.

The Myths and Misconceptions content is supported by an unrestricted grant from Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.