When it comes to vaccinations for children there is much controversy and wide differences in opinions from around the world. The reality is that, after the cases of meningitis in our country, the debate has reopened on whether or not children should be vaccinated. It is clear that vaccinations are absolutely necessary and that if children are given the correct vaccines, many lives will be saved.
But it is necessary for parents around the world to be aware that there are some important myths and vaccines to know, in order to have more information about them. Vaccines are necessary for people's lives and above all, for a future free of diseases eradicated thanks to them.
Myths and Truths About Vaccines
Most illnesses are not serious
This is totally untrue. The reality is that the diseases against which they are vaccinated are always serious. Diseases can cause complications and even, in some cases, death. Many of these diseases also have a cure. But it is necessary to differentiate that they are serious or can be complicated. For example:
- The measles. Complications occur in approximately 10% of cases. For every 1.000 measles cases, 1 or 2 of these people may die.
- Whooping cough kills 1 to 4 babies in Canada each year. About 1 in 400 babies who survive whooping cough has permanent brain damage.
- Tetanus kills 10% or more of its victims.
The MMR vaccine causes autism
This is false. There are no studies that actually show that vaccines cause autism in children. There is no scientific evidence that there is a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. The risk of not being vaccinated a child is very high because it could have possibilities of contracting highly dangerous diseases.
Vaccines can have side effects
This is true. Vaccines are not without risk. The most common side effects are injection site pain and fever, which can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Less common in side effects are seizures or shakes, although the risks may vary depending on the vaccine. For example, 1 in 3000 children who receive the MMR vaccine may have seizures.
Nothing happens if you don't get vaccinated, because the other children are already vaccinated
This is false. Unfortunately, unvaccinated children who attend the same schools as other children can easily contract diseases that could have been prevented by being vaccinated. There are people who also think the same and do not vaccinate their children and others, who cannot vaccinate for whatever reasons. Also, there are other ways to get diseases like germs.
Vaccines guarantee maximum protection
Vaccinations are not a 100% guarantee that your child will not get sick, but they are very helpful. If, for example, you get a flu shot, you can still get it but it will be less severe. The same goes for chickenpox. For better protection, experts rely on "group immunity" (other people get vaccinated too and are less likely to get the infection).
Children do not need vaccines because these diseases are eradicated
Even if they are eradicated they can return. In addition, there are still the diseases against which they are vaccinated, although they are rare. Thanks to vaccination programs, all vaccine-preventable diseases have decreased worldwide. But when immunization rates drop, these diseases can return.
Many of the vaccine-preventable diseases that are not common in some countries still occur in other parts of the world. With travel and immigration, there is a real risk that these diseases will return. Any child who is not vaccinated is at risk when infections are imported.
Too many vaccinate weaken the immune system
This is false too. Each dose allows the body to have an immune response and makes the body become stronger by creating a defense (antibodies) so that a real infection can be fought in case it occurs in the future.
Children should receive vaccinations on the recommended schedule to provide the best protection as soon as possible.
Vaccinations are for children only
This is not true. There are numerous vaccines that can help keep people of any age healthy. The most obvious is the flu shot, which is given annually. Another example is when older adults can benefit from pneumonia shots. Adults also need boosters for tetanus and whooping cough. Children are not fully immunized against whooping cough, up to age 4 and younger babies are at high risk, and whooping cough can be transmitted to babies by adults with decreased immunity.
The natural is always the best vaccines are foreign substances
The natural is always the best, the germs that vaccines protect are against part of nature. Many things in nature are not suitable for health, such as poisons that come from plants and berries. Vaccines are made from natural sources, some of them are made from live germs with changes so that they cannot cause disease but so that the body can defend itself against them. Other vaccines only have a part of the germ that has been purified. Vaccines stimulate the immune system in the same way that an infection would, but without falling ill.
These are 9 myths and truths that all fathers and mothers need to know because it is necessary to be aware of the importance of vaccines. Vaccines are not only important in the lives of children, but also in people of any age and above all, for society in general. Thanks to vaccines, we will all be healthier and less likely to fall ill.