Vaccines help protect us from getting ill from preventable diseases from the time we’re born until our final days. Immunization is so important for people of all ages that the entire month of August—also known as National Immunization Awareness Month—is dedicated to raising awareness around vaccines, and encouraging people to make an appointment to get up-to-date on their immunizations in order to protect themselves, their family and their community from diseases such as polio, tetanus, flu, HPV, Hepatitis A and B, whooping cough, measles, mumps and Covid-19.

Immunizations were developed by scientists to help keep the community-at-large healthy. Vaccines work by introducing a weak, or inactive part of an organism, such as a virus, into the body, so that the immune system is “trained” to respond to that organism, which then helps to protect a person from getting sick, or from getting severely sick from that infection.

But in order for vaccines to be effective, lots of people need to get them! And in order for people to get them, they must understand why and how vaccines work, and learn what’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to information around vaccines. With that in mind, read on to learn some important myths and facts about immunization. And be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about what’s recommended and when for you and your children.

Myth #1: Vaccines don’t protect you 100 percent, so you shouldn’t get vaccinated.

Fact: Indeed, a vaccine offers no guarantee that you’ll remain healthy. However, according to Tufts Medicine, people who are vaccinated may reduce their risk of becoming ill from an infection, such as the flu. And if they do become ill, they may experience symptoms for fewer days than they otherwise would have.

Myth #2: A vaccine can give you the very illness it vaccinates against.

Fact: A person may experience some side effects from a vaccine. But most vaccines are made from killed portions of a virus, not the live virus, itself, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. Some reactions, such as a fever, soreness and fatigue, may follow immunization. But those aren’t symptoms of being ill. Rather, they’re evidence that the immune system is hard at work, building immunity to the virus you’re trying to prevent. 

Myth #3: Natural immunity is healthier than immunity that comes from vaccines.

Fact: The processes that build natural immunity and immunity from vaccines are actually quite similar, according to the American Association of Immunologists (AAI). However, when you contract an illness from another person, there’s no way of knowing how severe the symptoms will be, whereas vaccines activate your immune system in a controlled manner. Further, says the AAI, when enough people get vaccinated, they’re helping to protect the health of their community. 

Myth #4: I don’t need to be vaccinated against an uncommon disease.

Fact: Many diseases are rare because of vaccines, but that doesn’t mean they can’t spread. Tufts Medicine puts it like this: “Although some diseases have been largely eradicated from the U.S., like polio, they can still exist in areas with low levels of vaccination. Vaccines provide immunity and strengthen the body’s ability to fight germs should an infectious disease return.” 

Myth #5: It’s unsafe to get more than one vaccine at a time.

Fact: Parents may feel concerned when they first learn of the American Academy of Family Physicians schedule for childhood and adolescent vaccinations, because there are a number of vaccines given in a relatively short period of time. However, research has shown that receiving multiple vaccines at once is safe. Cleveland Clinic says that because illnesses can spread quickly and easily between children, and can cause serious and lasting health consequences, it’s important to stick with the schedule. 

Myth #6: Vaccines cause autism.

Fact: There is no evidence that vaccines cause autism. According to the Mayo Clinic, that myth stemmed from a 1998 study, which was later retracted and the author lost his medical license.

Myth #7: If an expert or news program says something about a vaccine, it must be true.

Fact: Nope. These days it can be hard to discern fact from fiction. Even videos that claim to be “news” aren’t myth-proof. When looking up information online, find reliable scientific medical sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (aap.org), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov), Immunization Action Coalition (immunize.org), along with sites produced by trusted non-profit organizations, hospitals and universities. 

In the last couple of years, misinformation has spread quickly about immunization. The bottom line is, vaccines are safe and play an important role in protecting the community from dangerous illnesses. This month, make it a priority to get updated on all of your vaccines and boosters, and do your part in stopping the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.