What are common misconceptions about vaccines?

Common misconceptions about vaccines include their alleged links to autism, their supposed toxicity, and the idea that they're unnecessary.

One of the most prevalent misconceptions about vaccines is the claim that they cause autism. This belief originated from a study published in 1998, which has since been thoroughly discredited due to serious procedural errors, undisclosed financial conflicts of interest, and ethical violations. Multiple subsequent studies have found no link between vaccines and autism. The consensus in the scientific community is clear: vaccines do not cause autism.

Another common misconception is that vaccines are toxic because they contain substances like mercury or aluminium. It's true that some vaccines contain trace amounts of these substances, but they're present in forms and quantities that are safe for the human body. For instance, the form of mercury used in some vaccines is ethylmercury, which is different from the potentially harmful methylmercury. Ethylmercury is broken down and removed by the body quickly, unlike methylmercury. Similarly, the amount of aluminium present in vaccines is less than the amount a person typically ingests from food and water over the same period.

Finally, there's the misconception that vaccines are unnecessary, that natural immunity is better, or that diseases like measles and polio are no longer a threat. While it's true that getting a disease often leads to stronger immunity than vaccination, the risks associated with natural infection far outweigh the benefits. Vaccines provide a safe and controlled way to develop immunity. As for the idea that certain diseases are no longer a threat, this is only true because of widespread vaccination. If vaccination rates drop, these diseases can quickly resurface, as has been seen in several measles outbreaks in recent years.