In an era where information flows from every direction, from social media to conversations in the park, it is not always easy to distinguish between evidence-based facts and stubborn myths. For many parents, the issue of vaccinations has become one of the most complex decisions, precisely because of the excess information and conflicting opinions.
On the occasion of Vaccination Promotion Week, it is worth organizing the information you are hearing. Although this is one of the safest and most effective tools in modern medicine, in recent years there has been a decline in vaccination uptake, alongside the return of preventable diseases.
In Israel, there is an organized vaccination program built by professionals after many studies and clinical trials. Nevertheless, unfortunately, we are seeing a decline in vaccination rates and at the same time outbreaks of diseases such as measles.
To better understand the picture, here are 11 of the most common myths related to vaccinations – and the scientific truth behind them:
1. If a symptom appeared after you were vaccinated, the vaccine is the cause
Many parents tend to link the appearance of a symptom to a vaccine given shortly before. However, temporal proximity does not necessarily indicate a causal relationship.
Children sometimes experience various symptoms even without any connection to vaccinations, such as fever, fatigue, or restlessness. When a symptom appears after a vaccine, it is easy to attribute it to it, but it is important to examine this medically and not assume in advance.
In cases of concerning symptoms, a doctor should be consulted, regardless of whether a vaccine was given. Proper diagnosis is important so as not to miss another medical issue.
2. Side effects are more dangerous than the disease
One of the main concerns of parents relates to vaccine side effects. In practice, most side effects are mild and pass within a short time, such as local pain or mild fever.
In contrast, the diseases that vaccines prevent can cause severe complications. Measles can lead to pneumonia or brain damage, whooping cough is especially dangerous for infants, and polio can cause paralysis.
When comparing the risks, the picture is clear: The risk from the diseases is significantly higher than the risk from the vaccines.
3. It is better to delay vaccinations to a later age
Some parents prefer to delay vaccinations with the belief that the child will be “stronger” later on. However, the vaccination schedule is determined precisely according to the stages of development of the immune system.
In the first years of life, infants are especially vulnerable to infectious diseases. Delaying vaccinations creates a dangerous period in which the child is not protected.
Even if the child is not in an educational framework, they can still be exposed to diseases in everyday environments, therefore protection is important from a young age.
4. It is better to get sick in order to develop natural immunity
The idea of “natural immunity” through illness ignores the risks involved. Many diseases are not mild at all and can cause serious complications and even life-threatening situations.
Although the body sometimes develops immunity after illness, the cost can be heavy. Vaccines provide similar protection without the risk associated with the disease itself.
5. Too many vaccines burden the body
A child’s immune system deals every day with thousands of foreign factors from the environment. Compared to this, the total amount of antigens in vaccines is very small.
In addition, modern vaccines contain fewer antigens than in the past, thanks to advanced technologies. There is no evidence that the vaccination program causes an overload.
Also, giving several vaccines on the same day does not increase side effects, while splitting vaccines may actually delay protection.
6. Vaccines weaken the immune system
The reality is completely the opposite. Vaccines activate the immune system in a controlled way, teach it to recognize disease agents, and allow a faster response in the future.
This is essentially training for the immune system, similar to practice before an exam.
7. The ingredients in vaccines are dangerous
Every component in a vaccine is carefully tested for safety and dosage. Some of the substances also exist naturally in the body or the environment, and at very low levels.
Vaccination oversight systems are among the strictest in medicine and include ongoing monitoring even after approval of the vaccine.
8. There is no need to vaccinate because the diseases have disappeared
The diseases did not disappear on their own, but thanks to vaccines. When vaccination rates drop, they return.
An example is the measles outbreak in Israel, which led to illness and even death among unvaccinated children.
9. Vaccines are not effective
Medical history proves otherwise. Vaccines led to the eradication of smallpox and a dramatic reduction in many other diseases.
Even when a vaccine does not fully prevent infection, it significantly reduces the severity of the disease and the risk of complications.
10. Vaccines harm fertility or pregnancy
There is no scientific evidence that vaccines harm fertility. Some vaccines during pregnancy even protect the baby through the transfer of antibodies from the mother.
There is also no evidence of an increase in miscarriages or premature births following recommended vaccinations.
11. You can get sick from the vaccine
Most vaccines do not contain an active disease agent. Even when it is a weakened virus, it is not capable of causing illness.
Sometimes mild symptoms appear as part of an immune response, but this is not the disease itself.
Ultimately, the way to make the right decision is to rely on reliable sources of information: Pediatricians, Tipat Halav nurses, and official information from the Ministry of Health.
Vaccines are one of the most important tools for protecting the health of children and the public. When relying on scientific facts, fear can be replaced with real protection.
The choice to vaccinate is not only a personal decision, but also a social responsibility. It protects not only the individual child, but also the entire community, especially those who cannot be vaccinated.
The author is the public health coordinator at Maccabi, Central District