Vaccine Myths and Facts: Here Is the Truth!

With a truckload of information just a click away, the Internet is a double edged sword when it comes to health-related information and you will stumble across plenty of unfounded claims. For instance, vaccines are pretty safe and immunization can protect children from various diseases but the internet is rife with misinformation claiming otherwise.

Ongoing research, such as a study published in JAMA has shown evidence those vaccines neither harm the immune system nor increase vulnerability to diseases. As a parent, it might be confusing for you to separate fact from fiction, so let’s dispel some myths and state some facts for you:

1- The MMR Vaccine Does Not Cause Autism:

In 1998, The Lancet published a study that alleged a connection between autism and the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The study has since been debunked and retracted, with the majority of experts assuring that there is no link between autism and vaccines.  Ever since the misleading studies came out, various other studies have failed to find a link between autism and vaccines. Since the timing when children first start exhibiting signs of autism and when the MMR vaccine is administered coincide, it is easy to understand why this myth sounds so believable.

2- Vaccines Are Full Of Toxins:

Apart from antigens, vaccines do not have a lot of other ingredients. It contains little amounts of formaldehyde and thimerosal, which has mercury in it, to kill virus. Similarly, sometimes vaccines have a little amount of aluminium to help them work more effectively. Compared to what we are exposed to on a regular basis, these amounts are negligible and there is no evidences that these can build up over time and create problems.

3- Kids’ Vaccines Should Be Spaced Out:

Top pediatricians in Pakistan usually recommend a vaccination schedule which informs parents when their kids should receive vaccines for different infectious diseases such as rotavirus, tetanus, and hepatitis B. However, there is a popular myth that getting a lot of vaccines within a short period of time can compromise the immune system of kids.

This fear prompts parents to request their doctors to stretch out the schedule. Since the schedule is made on the basis of vaccines effectiveness and disease risks at specific ages, it could be unwise of parents to request doctors to make changes.

This may also lead to complications, partly because a delay in vaccination can make kids susceptible to infectious diseases. Even though you may feel that your child is getting too many shots for his age, each only has little amounts of inactive bacteria or viruses to help create antibodies that boost the immune system to drive away harmful bacteria and viruses.

If vaccine related myths bother you, talk to a pediatrician to get the reassured about their safety. You can find and book an appointment with top Pediatricians in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad through oladoc.com. You can also call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your health concerns.