Vaccine facts & Resources

1. The immune system will become overloaded by too many vaccinations.

False. Years of study have shown there is no increased risk of adverse effects when shots are given in combination rather than individually. As a bonus, giving shots in combination at the same visit reduces the overall number of “pokes” for a child as well as the number of appointments at the clinic or doctor’s office [1].

2. There is no need to vaccinated because the diseases no longer exist

False. Many diseases that are vaccinated for in the United States no longer commonly occur, but they are often widespread in the rest of the world. Good examples of this are polio and measles. An unvaccinated individual traveling outside of the country or who comes into contact with someone with the disease has a much higher chance of contracting the disease than a vaccinated person [2].

3. Natural immunity is better than vaccine-aquired immunity

False. Natural immunity means someone is infected with the disease. This means they are at high risk for developing symptoms and side effects from the disease, concluding that the risks of natural immunity as opposed to vaccine acquired immunity is far greater [3].

4. Vaccines are safe

True. Vaccines are among the safest medical products available. Each vaccine undergoes years of testing before being licensed for the general public. Side effects such as soreness at the injection site or a slight fever can occur, but these are generally short-lived and treatable. As with all medical procedures there are slight risks for more serious side effects, but in most cases the benefit of vaccinations far outweigh the risks [4].

5. Infants and children can still be vaccinated if they are sick or on antibiotics

True. If you still have concerns, check with your child’s healthcare provider before vaccinating [5].

6. If I miss an appointment I have to start the vaccine series from the beginning

False. If you miss some doses your provider will simply continue where they left off.

7. Adults need vaccinations too

True. Even if an adult was vaccinated as a child, protection can fade making the adult susceptible to infection and disease. Also, if an adult is pregnant or in contact with an infant that is too young to be vaccinated, the adult should be up-to-date on their vaccinations, including the flu vaccine [6].

Sources and Resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2019). Making the Vaccine Decision: Addressing Common Concerns. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/why-vaccinate/vaccine-decision.html
Health and Human Services (2017). Vaccines Protect Your Community. Retrieved from https://www.vaccines.gov/basics/work/protection
Health and Human Services (2017). Vaccines Protect You. Retrieved from https://www.vaccines.gov/basics/work/prevention
Health and Human Services (2017). Vaccine Safety. Retrieved from https://www.vaccines.gov/basics/safety
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2014). Vaccines When Your Child Is Sick. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/patient-ed/conversations/downloads/fs-c...
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2019). What Vaccines are Recommended for You. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/index.html