Vaccines myths and facts: Do they have side effects? Are vaccines meant only for children?

Side effects of vaccines: Mild side effects like fever or soreness are normal and indicate the immune system is working (Image: Pexels)

Vaccines are one of the most critical methods used to combat the spread of infectious diseases. They not only provide immunisation by encouraging the body to identify and attack pathogens, they also contribute to herd immunity that protects people who are otherwise unable to receive the vaccine.

Vaccines have proven effective at eradicating or nearly wiping out deadly diseases such as smallpox, polio, and measles over the past century, making them one of the cornerstones of modern medicine. Despite the extensive coverage of this success, various myths and misperceptions pervade the way of vaccines, even in more educated and urban sections of developing economies like India.

Dr Chhavi Gupta, Principal Consultant, Department of Infectious disease, Adult immunization and Travel Medicine, Yashoda Medicity and Kaushambi, Ghaziabad, dispels some of the most common myths around vaccines with scientific facts.

Also read | Can healthy diet boost your body's response to vaccines? Here's what expert says

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: Vaccines are not needed in healthy adults

Fact: Our immune system declines with age as a natural process called immunosenescence. Immune adults also become more prone to infection, hence vaccination during adulthood is needed to guarantee continued protection.

Myth 4: Vaccines are not needed in cities because of improved sanitation and healthcare

Fact: Urban life does not give you immunity. Crowding, travel, and exposure to the public enhance the risk of transmission of diseases.

Myth 5: Vaccines induce side effects, thus they are unsafe

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

Also read | No link between COVID-19 vaccines and sudden deaths: Health Ministry

Myth 6: Once vaccinated, you’re 100 percent protected

Fact: No vaccine provides complete protection. Still, they greatly lower the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Breakthrough infections are generally much less severe.

Myth 7: Adult vaccines only mean COVID-19 vaccines

Fact: In addition to COVID-19, adults are benefited by 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. For example,

• HPV vaccines give protection against head & neck and cervical cancers.
• Shingrix has the potential to decrease the risk of dementia and also provide cardiovascular protection.

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

Also read | Have fever, running nose and cough? Know the difference between Adenovirus, H3N2 and Covid

Myth 10: Vaccines are always accessible

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

Myth 11: Vaccines are expensive

Fact: While some vaccines may appear expensive at first, they save the expense of hospitalization, 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.