With the birth of a child, one of parents' major concerns concerns vaccination. Vaccines are designed to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies capable of combating possible diseases and are very important for the health of the child.
Vaccines can be developed in different ways. One is to contain the disease-causing virus itself or another similar inactive or weakened agent. This is one of several issues surrounding the issue that questions the efficiency, safety and quality of vaccines and whether they can affect children's health in any way.
The list below contains 7 unraveled myths and clarifies questions about vaccines and their importance. Check it out and find out!
Myth 1: Vaccination begins too early.
There are indeed many vaccines that should be taken in the first two years of life, and some parents argue that vaccination starts too early. One study found that 23 percent of parents surveyed asked about the number of vaccines on the calendar and 25 percent wondered if they could weaken their child's immune system. According to Dr. Alfredo Gilio, MD, coordinator of the vaccination clinic at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, this is a myth, and early vaccination does not damage the immune system. Although children receive more vaccines today than before, the amount of antigens contained in them is considerably lower, and experts say it is a safe amount.
Myth 2: Vaccines are 100% effective.
Many people vaccinate their children and believe they are fully protected until the next vaccination. However, Dr. Giglio claims that 100% efficacy of vaccines cannot be guaranteed. This is because people's immune systems react differently to medications, and for various reasons, some people may not develop immunity to the diseases against which they are being vaccinated. Current vaccines produce immunity in about 85 to 95 percent of children, but this protection does not last forever and, for some individuals, never fully develops. Therefore it cannot be guaranteed that vaccines are 100% effective, this is a myth.
Myth 3: Vaccines are completely safe.
Even the most common prescription drugs worldwide can cause negative reactions in some people. Similarly with vaccines. Although they are very safe, it cannot be said that they will be completely free of side effects. It is common for some vaccines to cause some discomfort for some people and sometimes a low fever, but it is extremely rare to trigger serious side effects. However, if your child has had reactions to vaccines before, consult a doctor to clarify your doubts and advice on how to proceed with the next vaccines.
Myth 4: Vaccines contain toxic chemicals that are more harmful than beneficial.
This is yet another myth on the subject. Vaccines do contain a variety of chemicals, such as mercury, aluminum, and other preservatives, but their addition is indispensable to these drugs. In addition, one must keep in mind that the quantities of these substances are minimal and the risk that diseases pose is infinitely greater than the risk that small amounts of preservatives can offer.
Myth 5: Vaccines can cause the disease they are supposed to protect.
In fact, this statement is only partially a myth. The vast majority of vaccines are made with inactive viruses, which pose no risk. These viruses do not have the ability to transform and multiply, factors necessary to cause the disease. Vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella, yellow fever and influenza vaccines are all inactive today and cannot cause the patient to contract the disease.
There is a second type of vaccine called a subunit vaccine. They also have no risk of causing the disease and generally generate fewer side effects. Diphtheria, HPV, hepatitis B, meningococcal disease, and tetanus are all examples of subunit vaccines.
A final type is the attenuated vaccine, which means it contains the weakened virus that alone cannot cause the disease. However, an attenuated pathogen may mutate and, in some cases, cause the disease. This risk is very low in healthy individuals, but should be considered if the vaccine is given to someone with a compromised immune system. Hepatitis A, a version of the polio vaccine, and the rabies vaccine are currently attenuated vaccines.
Myth 6: Absolutely all people should be vaccinated.
Although it is important for the vast majority of people to get all vaccines, some should not receive them. Sick children, for example, should never be vaccinated, and those who have had a serious reaction to any vaccine in the past should not have it again in the future. Other groups not recommended for vaccination are people who are allergic to any of the components, pregnant women, people with HIV or AIDS, or those undergoing cancer treatment.
Myth 7: Vaccines May Cause Autism
This myth was spread in the 1990s, when publications suggested that the triple vaccine (against measles, mumps and rubella) would be the cause of autism. However, this statement was not scientifically based, and subsequently several studies in different parts of the world proved to be a myth.
If you still have questions about vaccinating your child, consult your doctor.
Mono Virus Discovery | Cincinnati Children's (May 2024)
- Prevention and Treatment
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