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 I know that there are a lot of parents out there who constantly worry about vaccination. There have been myths floating around the internet about vaccines, so it’s quite normal for parents to think twice about getting their kids vaccinated. To shed light on this issue, I would like to expose several myths.
Myth #1: Shots will make my child sick
Vaccines today are usually made from a killed or weakened virus or bacteria, so it can’t infect or reproduce inside your child. Vaccines made from live viruses (or weakened viruses) use only a part of the virus or bacteria.
Myht #2: Vaccines have dangerous side effects
Side effects of vaccines are usually limited to low-grade fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, headache and swelling and redness at the injection site. Severe allergic reactions or neurological side effects are rare.
 Myth #3: Vaccinations cause disorders such as autism
This myth came about because babies receive a number of shots around the same time that developmental changes are happening, usually around the first few years of life. But there is a lack of evidence proving that autism and other disorders are caused by immunizations.
Myth #4: You shouldn't give a vaccine to a child who has a cold
Studies show that it is safe for most children who have coughs, colds or diarrhea to be vaccinated. Just don’t give a shot to a child with a high fever.
Myth #5: Vaccinations are best delayed until my child is older
Children aged 2 to 6 years old are very susceptible to infections and diseases because their immunity foundation is still developing. If you wait until they are much older, you will not be protecting them when they are at their most vulnerable.
Myth # 6: If my child is vaccinated, he is 100% protected
Even if your child gets vaccinated for a disease, there’s still a small chance of him or her catching it. Vaccines made from live weakened virus or bacteria have an effectiveness of 95%, while those made from killed or inactivated virus or bacteria are 75% to 80% effective. However, if majority of the population is vaccinated, the disease is less likely to linger or spread.
I hope that by debunking these myths I have showed you how important it is for your children to be vaccinated. But if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask your pediatrician for clarification. It’s our job to be your partners in raising healthy and protected kids.
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