India's vaccination story is one of remarkable progress tinged with persistent doubts. Through Mission Indradhanush, our nation has achieved extraordinary strides since 2014, protecting over 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women with life-saving vaccines. In fact, the proportion of unvaccinated children has fallen by 34%, a clear indicator of how far our public health initiatives have come. Yet even today the shadow of vaccine hesitancy looms larger than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare this paradox, revealing that 37% of Indians either doubted or rejected vaccination. Behind these numbers are millions of families torn between science and superstition.

In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr Zimra R. Israel, Medical Director Maternal and Child Health, Rotary district 3131, (Immunologist/Vaccine Policy Expert) explained and debunks the common myths about vaccines that people might believe to be true.

Common Myths About Vaccines

Myth: Natural immunity is superior to vaccine-induced immunity

Fact: Many believe that contracting a disease naturally provides better immunity than vaccination. Yes, getting sick does produce immunity but at what cost? Diseases like measles, polio or whooping cough can cause severe complications or death. Vaccines, on the other hand, trigger a similar immune response but in a controlled and safe manner, providing protection without the risks associated with the actual disease.

Myth: Multiple vaccines can overwhelm a child's immune system

Fact: Parents often hesitate to give their children multiple vaccines at once. It's a natural concern but here's what science tells us. Every day, our children's immune systems handle far more challenges from their environment than from any vaccine. The antigens in vaccines barely add to what children's immune systems already manage. Hence, not only are multiple vaccines safe but they also make practical sense like fewer clinic visits and better protection.

Myth: Vaccines are unnecessary as diseases have been eradicated

Fact: While vaccination programmes have pushed many diseases to the brink in India, the threat hasn't vanished. The Covid-19 pandemic showed how swiftly infections can spread globally and polio's recent resurgence with 50 new cases in areas with low vaccination rates proves that success in fighting diseases should drive us to continue vaccinating, not make us complacent.

Myth: Vaccines cause autism

Fact: This particularly damaging myth originated from a now-discredited 1998 study that has been debunked and retracted. Numerous studies have proven no link between MMR vaccines and autism. The timing of autism diagnosis merely coincides with routine vaccination schedules, creating a false correlation.

Myth: Adult and adolescent vaccination is unnecessary

Fact: Vaccination is a lifelong commitment, not just a childhood requirement. Adults require specific vaccines at different life stages: senior citizens need pneumococcal and influenza vaccines for enhanced protection, women of reproductive age require safeguards against rubella and HPV vaccination helps prevent cervical cancer. Even travellers require special vaccines. In fact, as our immune system ages, vaccination becomes even more crucial, not less.

Myth: Vaccines contain dangerous ingredients

Fact: Vaccines contain trace amounts of preservatives and stabilisers like thimerosal and aluminium, the ingredients that have undergone rigorous safety testing. These components present in minimal quantities serve essential functions like maintaining vaccine effectiveness and preventing contamination.

Myth: Vaccines cause infertility

Fact: This harmful myth has no scientific basis but continues to circulate, especially regarding the polio vaccine. Multiple studies have shown no link between vaccines and infertility. Unfortunately, this misconception has led to reduced vaccination rates in some communities, putting people at risk of preventable diseases.

Myth: Breastfeeding eliminates the need for vaccination

Fact: While breastfeeding provides valuable protection against certain infections, this immunity is both temporary and incomplete. Vaccines, in contrast, create the specific and long-lasting protection that breast milk simply cannot offer.

Myth: Diseases were already declining due to better hygiene before vaccines

Fact: Some argue that improved sanitation, not vaccines led to disease reduction. While better living conditions have contributed to public health, the impact of vaccines is clear and measurable. Research reveals that Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) cases in children plummeted from 20,000 to 1,419 annually in the US after vaccination began with no significant changes in sanitation since 1990.

Myth: Most people who get diseases are vaccinated

Fact: This misunderstanding stems from basic statistics. While vaccinated individuals may outnumber unvaccinated ones in disease outbreaks, this occurs because most people are vaccinated.

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