9 common vaccine myths in urban India busted: What you should know

From childhood to adulthood, vaccines protect against far more than infections. Here’s the truth behind common myths. (Image: Pexels)

Vaccines are one of the greatest achievements of modern medicine, protecting millions of lives from infectious diseases and their complications. However, myths about vaccines remain rampant—even in the more educated sections of India's urban population. These misconceptions often lead to delays in vaccinations, putting individuals and communities at risk of preventable diseases..

Vaccines are not just for childhood — they are critical throughout the entire lifespan. Whether its booster shots during adolescence or adult immunizations that reduce risk for pneumonia, influenza, shingles, and HPV-related cancers, vaccines are essential to lasting wellness.

Dr Chhavi Gupta, Principal Consultant, Department of Infectious disease, Adult immunization and Travel Medicine, Yashoda Medicity and Kaushambi, Ghaziabad says that distinguishing fact from fiction is essential in making health decisions and creating awareness about vaccines.

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Myth 1: Vaccines are just meant for children

Fact: Vaccines are a necessity in life. Immunization against routine vaccine-preventable illnesses during early childhood (birth-10 years) is part of the UIP, but immunity could decrease with age. Booster doses in adolescence and adulthood are necessary to prevent loss of immunity.

Myth 2: Healthy adults don’t need vaccines

Fact: Our immune system declines with age due to a natural process called immunosenescence. Even healthy adults become more vulnerable to infections, making adult vaccination essential.

Myth 3: Vaccines are not needed in cities because of improved sanitation and healthcare

Fact: Urban life does not provide you with immunity. Crowded spaces, frequent travel, and high exposure increase the risk of transmission. Vaccines remain critical regardless of where you live.

Myth 4: Vaccines are unsafe because they cause side effects

Fact: Mild side effects such as fever or soreness are normal and indicate the immune system is responding normally. Serious side effects are extremely rare and are far less dangerous than the diseases vaccines prevent. Each vaccine undergoes rigorous testing and monitoring before and after approval.

Myth 5: Adult vaccines only mean COVID-19 vaccines

Fact: In addition to COVID-19, adults benefit from vaccines such as:

• Pneumococcal (for lung infections),
• Influenza (flu),
• Shingrix (for shingles),
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)

Fact: Numerous vaccines prevent infections and related complications.

• HPV vaccines provide protection against head & neck as well as cervical cancers.
• Shingrix may reduce the risk of dementia and cardiovascular complications.

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Fact: HPV vaccines give protection against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that is responsible for cervical cancer in women and head & neck cancers in men. The vaccines are thus given to boys and girls.

Myth 8: Vaccines are always accessible

Fact: Vaccines are to be planned according to age, health, and medical background. Always consult a competent health expert before vaccination.

Myth 9: Vaccines are expensive

Fact: While some vaccines may appear expensive at first, they save the expense of hospitalisation, lost work, and chronic disease, making them a great, cost-saving investment.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.