Immunization is considered a major success in the history of public health. Think about it: since the first vaccine was developed in 1796, smallpox has been eradicated and incidences of polio have decreased by 99% around the world. Diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus and measles are all less common than they once were, thanks to vaccines. And, more recently, the rapidly developed COVID-19 vaccines helped usher a return to normalcy during the pandemic.

Every year, thousands upon thousands of people of all ages are vaccinated against diseases such as influenza, HPV, RSV, hepatitis, meningitis, chicken pox, shingles, pneumococcal infections, and so many other potentially dangerous illnesses.

Around the world, immunization efforts have saved more than 154 million lives in just the past 50 years, including more than 101 million infants, according to a study by the World Health Organization. The study, which was published in The Lancet, noted that each person saved by vaccination gained an average of 66 years to their lifespan. And, today, more than 20 million people can walk thanks to the polio vaccine. Without it, they would have been paralyzed.  

Of course, every individual must decide whether to get immunized and whether to immunize their children. Before making that choice, it’s important to be informed about vaccines, and their impact on individual health as well as community health. In honor of World Immunization Week April 24-30, here are some myths and facts to consider about vaccination.

Myth: Healthy people don’t need to be vaccinated.

Fact: Vaccines can protect you from becoming ill or seriously ill. It’s important to talk to your doctor about which vaccines you should get, and when. Stick with the immunization schedule they recommend.

Myth: Some vaccine-preventable illnesses are no big deal.

Fact: Health conditions impact different people differently. While one person may get the flu and have mild symptoms, another person could suffer from respiratory distress and wind up in the hospital, or even die. Similarly, COVID-19, chicken pox, rotavirus and other health conditions can cause symptoms that could range from mild to severe. When you and your family get vaccinated, you’re helping to keep yourself safe from getting extremely ill, and you’re playing a role in stopping contagious diseases from spreading throughout your community.

Myth: Vaccines cause autism.

Fact: Vaccines are safe and do not cause autism. In the late 1990s, a study was published that included concerns about a possible link between a vaccine (for measles-mumps-rubella) and autism. The study was later retracted, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), “because it was significantly flawed by bad science.” There is no scientific evidence connecting vaccines and autism.  

Myth: Vaccines can make you sick.

Fact: That is untrue. Vaccines contain inactive viruses that stimulate or “trick” our immune systems into making antibodies that will protect us from the viruses that may be circulating. While vaccination may cause mild side effects, including a low fever or soreness at the injection site, it won’t make a person ill. A person is more likely to feel significantly sicker if they come down with the vaccine-preventable disease than from the vaccination, itself.

Myth: My child doesn’t need to be vaccinated because most other kids are.

Fact: The term “herd immunity” is used when a large number of people within a community are immunized against a particular disease, because the odds of getting ill are drastically reduced. “If enough people rely on herd immunity as the method of preventing infection from vaccine-preventable diseases, herd immunity will soon disappear,” says AAAAI. In addition, it’s likely that some people in your community are unable to get vaccinated because of their age or challenges with their immune system. When you agree to immunization, you may be helping to protect them by stopping the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Myth: Too many vaccines given at once can be harmful to a child.

Fact: Children are exposed to a whole host of germs every day, and those bacteria and viruses often trigger immune responses. Comparatively, the bacteria and viruses contained in vaccines are weakened or killed, meaning they’re likely to generate an immune response no more significant than what your child encounters daily at, say, school or a park. Further, if the current vaccination schedule did, indeed, cause problems, there would be evidence of that.

Myth: Pregnant people can’t be vaccinated.

Fact: People who are pregnant can safely opt for a number of immunizations, including vaccines against flu, tetanus, pertussis and hepatitis B. If you’re pregnant and you have questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

Myth: Vaccines aren’t tested thoroughly.

Fact: In order to receive FDA approval, vaccines undergo rigorous testing known as clinical trials. Once approved, vaccines are still closely monitored. People who experience side effects can submit reports through a system called the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.

Myth: Natural immunity is best.

Fact: While natural immunity can indeed help a person stay healthy and fight off illness, it’s not always possible. Take the measles, for example. Gaining immunity naturally means being exposed to the disease itself, which can be quite dangerous, and could potentially kill a person. Vaccines offer a safe, tested, quick road to immunity

Now that you’ve learned the facts, it’s a good time to find out whether you and your family are up to date on your immunizations. To view the recommended adult immunization schedule (ages 19 and older), visit here, and to see the child and adolescent schedule, go here. Most importantly, if you and your kids haven’t received the vaccines you need, or even if you’re not sure, make an appointment with your healthcare provider and get up-to-date as soon as possible.