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Myths and Facts About Vaccination

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Myths and Facts About Vaccination

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Newer vaccines are being discovered every day as a preventive measure for certain medical conditions. This article throws light on various myths and facts about vaccines.

Written by

Dr. Vishnu K. R

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At May 17, 2017
Reviewed AtOctober 5, 2023

Most of the patients that I treat ask this question about vaccination, 'How can an injected pathogen cure a disease?' I am not surprised by this question because I asked the same question to my mom when I was young. As a responsible medical practitioner, I should explain the science behind this to people. There are articles, which try to explain the mechanism by which vaccines cause autism. I personally think autism should be considered an individual's inability to perform. Autism is genetic, so please, stop humiliating autistic people with the vaccine associated myths.

Do Vaccines Have Live Pathogens?

  • Some vaccines do have live pathogens, they are called Live Attenuated Vaccines. The organism is alive but modified at the cellular level to not cause any infection in the host. Even healthy newborns can take it safely. The famous oral polio vaccine is live attenuated. The harmless strains are made with biotechnology, and they are preserved to ensure viability. Hence, they are costly. They alert our immune system about the infection without the actual infection. So, there will be an immune reaction. The primary reaction includes a short fever or a single episode of diarrhea. But after that, the immune cells against it are generated and the person becomes immune from the pathogenic organism. Other vaccines, which are killed vaccines, also do the same but are a lot cheaper and lasts longer.

Will Vaccines Harm Anyone by Accident?

  • Vaccines are not 100 % safe. But, they are safer than many of the fast foods you eat. Vaccines are known for their heroic act of reducing child mortality in the world. But trying to popularize them for their side effects is unfair. Vaccines may become contaminated with wrong storage conditions. So, every case is taken out of the cold box and is verified carefully by the medical officer one by one. Some vaccines cause an allergic reaction, but it varies with the person's sensitivity to the particular ingredient. The amount given through vaccines are significantly low. Sometimes, lower than the test doses given to test for drug allergy in patients taking Diclofenac, Cefalosporins, etc.

Are Vaccines Safe for HIV Patients?

  • Live attenuated vaccines are preferably avoided in them. The reason is obvious. Their immunity is compromised, so we choose not to give them any live organism. But all HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) patients should get some additional vaccines in certain endemic areas. Babies born to HIV-positive mothers are analyzed and planned if they should skip any vaccines or not.

Is It True That Vaccines Have Harmful Chemicals?

  • It is said that Mercury and Formalin present in vaccines are potentially harmful substances. It is not mercury that is used, but Ethyl mercury is added in Thimerosal. WHO (World Health Organization) confirmed that it is not harmful. There is no evidence to prove that Ethyl mercury used in Thimerosal would cause any toxicity in infants and children. And vaccines are not preserved using Formalin. Vaccines preserved in formalin are just useless solutions with an expiry date of 1 to 2 years. Vaccines are sensitive to small temperature changes and pH, and formalin would destroy it. Vaccines expire within a matter of days.

Conclusion:

  • Vaccinate your child according to the schedule. Stop thinking about the chances of the aid ship falling apart before the sea swallows you.

For more information consult a preventive medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/preventive-medicine-physician

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What Happens if a Baby Does Not Get Her Vaccination Shots?

Vaccination can prevent the occurrence of many infectious diseases. Lack of vaccination can make the baby susceptible to many infectious diseases. These conditions can affect the quality of life. Hence vaccinations should not be skipped.

2.

Can a Baby’s Vaccination Be Delayed?

A baby’s vaccination should not be delayed for a long time. Delayed vaccination can make the baby susceptible to various diseases and conditions. According to doctors, if a baby’s vaccination is delayed more than a month, it can make the child vulnerable to diseases.

3.

What Happens if You Get Vaccination While Being COVID-19 Positive?

There are no proven health hazards of taking vaccination while being COVID-19-positive. But, vaccination during such a period can put people in vaccination centers at a higher risk. There is a chance of the infection spreading to others. Hence it is advisable to take vaccination after turning COVID-19 negative.

4.

What Are the Vaccinations That Babies Need at Any Cost?

 
Vaccinations that are most important to babies are:
- Hepatitis vaccinations.
- DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus).
- Influenza vaccine.
- Polio shots.
- Pneumococcal vaccine.

5.

Do All Babies Get a Fever After Vaccination?

Fever is the most common side effect of vaccination. Fever is seen in almost six babies out of ten who receive a vaccination. Along with fever, pain and redness at the injection site are also seen. Fever is more common in the second and third doses of the vaccine.

6.

What Are the Vaccinations That Are Given First?

Vaccinations that are given first are:
- Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG).
- Oral polio vaccine.
- Hepatitis vaccine.

7.

Why Do People Delay Vaccination?

If vaccination is taken a month after the actual date, it may be known as delayed vaccination. The reasons for delayed vaccination may include the following:
- Illness.
- Lack of availability of healthcare.
- Traveling.
- Untoward events in the family.

8.

Why Do Babies Receive So Many Vaccinations?

Babies receive so many vaccinations because they are susceptible to various infections. These diseases can affect the quality of life and can even cause death. Newborn babies may not be immune to these diseases. Hence they require a lot of vaccinations.

9.

Should Babies Sleep After Vaccination?

Yes, babies should be let to sleep after vaccination. Sleep is a sign of vaccination response. Sleeping after vaccination can promote an immune response. Also, the baby may be extra sleepy after vaccination shots.

10.

What Are the Disadvantages of Vaccination?

The disadvantages of vaccination include the following:
- Redness and pain at the injection site.
- Fever.
- Unnecessarily burdening the immune system.
- Allergic reactions.

11.

How Long Do the Side Effects of a Vaccination Last?

The side effects of vaccination can last up to two to three days. The side effects of vaccination may include
- Redness and pain at the injection site.
- Fever.
- Allergic reactions.
- Swelling at the injection site. 
- Crankiness.

12.

Can Babies Go Out After Vaccinations?

There is no restriction on babies going out after vaccination. However, the child may experience some discomfort due to the side effects of the vaccination. So, the outing can be avoided if not necessary.
Source Article IclonSourcesSource Article Arrow
Dr. Vishnu K. R
Dr. Vishnu K. R

General Practitioner

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