When thinking about vaccination, it’s easy to just see lab coats and syringes but overlook the ease and importance of being educated about vaccination. There are plenty of myths and stereotypes about vaccination--some true and some false. Most of these preconceptions about vaccinations don't see the full scientific picture.
1. Are vaccines always effective?
Vaccination is a preventative measure to help arm the body to fight disease in a low-stakes environment. No medicine, treatment, or solution to a problem will ever be 100% effective, BUT vaccinations are still critical to stay healthy in the face of both long-term, deadly diseases (as treated by childhood vaccinations) or shorter term but pestilent ones (ie the flu vaccine).
The bottom line is--vaccines undeniably increase your chances of staying healthy, which is always a good idea!
2. So will vaccines always keep me from getting sick?
Not necessarily always, but a majority of the time, yes! Vaccine efficacy depends on a variety of factors, including patient health and age. However, vaccination will reduce the effects of serious illness and the likelihood of spreading the disease. For the sake of yourself and your loved ones, vaccination provides vital protection.
3. Do vaccines cause autism or affect my DNA?
No. Countless studies have concretely established that vaccination does not change your DNA and is not associated with autism.
Vaccinations inject weakened or dead versions of a disease into the body as a means to train the immune system to deal with infection (See 'What ARE Vaccinations' to learn more). The contents of the vaccine do not affect the genetic makeup of the recipient in any way. Thus, autism, often attributed to genetic differences, is not related to vaccination. The Autism Spectrum Disorder is a condition that only develops in early childhood, which has contributed to speculation about its relation to vaccination that is ultimately unfounded.
4. How can I ensure that the vaccines I receive are safe?
The short answer is, know your provider. Naturally, the fear of injecting an unknown substance into your body can sound like a sci-fi movie, but there are several federal regulations, requirements, and tests that all vaccinations must adhere to (See 'Deal or No Deal? Vaccine Edition" to learn more). Even after vaccinations are approved, they undergo continual inspection of manufacturing facilities and vaccine safety monitoring to ensure that they continue to be effective.
So, while vaccinations are often associated with drawbacks and myths, their benefits for both you and your community far outweigh other marginal factors. Stay safe and healthy!
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