Vaccines: Separating Myths from Facts

General
1

Vaccines are among the greatest achievements in modern medicine, saving millions of lives every year. Yet, misinformation continues to cloud public perception, making it vital to distinguish fact from fiction.

Myth 1: Vaccines cause the diseases they’re meant to prevent.
Fact: Vaccines use weakened or inactive parts of pathogens to trigger immunity—not infection. They train your immune system safely, without causing illness.

Myth 2: Natural immunity is better than vaccine-induced immunity.
Fact: While infection can provide immunity, it often comes with serious risks and complications. Vaccines offer protection without exposing you to those dangers.

Myth 3: Too many vaccines overwhelm the immune system.
Fact: The immune system encounters countless antigens daily. The small number in vaccines is negligible compared to what your body handles naturally.

Myth 4: Vaccines have long-term side effects.
Fact: Most side effects, like mild fever or soreness are temporary. Serious reactions are extremely rare and closely monitored by health agencies.

Vaccines protect not only individuals but entire communities through herd immunity. Choosing vaccination is choosing protection for yourself, your loved ones, and those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions.

What’s one vaccine myth you’ve heard that needs to be debunked for good?

MBH/AB

2 Likes
2

Absolutely agree Swati, vaccine myths can be incredibly damaging. One of the most persistent ones I’ve come across is the claim that COVID-19 vaccines cause severe long-term side effects like infertility, autoimmune diseases, or genetic changes. In reality, there’s no scientific evidence supporting these claims.

2 Likes
3

Myth:Vaccines contain harmful toxins

Fact: Trace ingredients like formaldehyde or aluminium are present in very small amounts in a few vaccines, which are safe and help the vaccine work effectively.

1 Like
4

One common myth is that vaccines can cause the very disease they protect against. In reality, vaccines use weakened or inactive parts of the pathogen, which safely train the immune system without causing illness.

1 Like
5

Have heard a lot about some of the COVID vaccines being the cause for the increase in the rise of cardiac arrest cases; apparently some research says there is a link between COVID vaccines and a small risk of inflammation in the heart (but i think recently larger studies have shown that there isn’t a causal link)

1 Like