Vaccines stand as one of the most powerful modern tools we have to protect public health.
They’ve eradicated diseases, reduced the severity of outbreaks, and saved millions of lives worldwide. Yet, despite their proven efficacy, vaccines remain a focal point for misinformation — particularly in today’s digital age.
This misinformation fuels fear and hesitation, which can lead to lower vaccination rates and the resurgence of preventable diseases. And, despite our best efforts to make science and clinical research accessible to all, vaccine myths still abound.
So, let’s tackle some of the most common vaccine myths right here, right now — using credible scientific evidence to separate fact from fiction. After this bout of myth-busting, you should have all the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your health and vaccinations.
In This Article:
- Myth 1: Vaccines Change Your DNA
- Myth 2: Vaccines Contain Dangerous Toxins
- Myth 3: Natural Immunity Works Better
- Myth 4: Vaccines Can Overload the Immune System
- Myth 5: Vaccines Are Unnecessary Because Certain Diseases Are Rare
Myth 1: Vaccines Change Your DNA
Myth: Vaccines — specifically mRNA vaccines like those from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna — can alter your DNA.
The first of these vaccine myths is rooted in a fundamental misunderstanding about how mRNA vaccines work. By taking a cursory look at the science, we can easily debunk this common misconception.
Understanding mRNA Vaccine Science
mRNA vaccines work by sending instructions to cells (like a messenger, hence the name ‘messenger RNA’) to produce a protein that triggers an immune response. This response equips the body to fight the actual virus if it is encountered later.
Here’s the important part: the mRNA never enters the nucleus of the cell, where our DNA is housed. As a result, it cannot interact with or alter your DNA in any way. The mRNA is broken down and eliminated by the body shortly after it does its job of instructing cells to produce the viral protein.
The CDC and other health organizations have repeatedly clarified that mRNA vaccines do not alter your genetic material. The concept that they could, as we said, stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of both mRNA technology and cellular biology.
Debunked:
Vaccines, including mRNA vaccines, do not change or interact with your DNA. They simply instruct your cells to build immunity against a specific pathogen — without affecting your genetic material.
Learn More: 2024 COVID-19 Vaccine Rundown: Everything You Need to Know
Myth 2: Vaccines Contain Dangerous Toxins
Myth: Vaccines contain dangerous toxins, such as thimerosal, formaldehyde, and aluminum, which can harm the body.
This myth plays on the fear of chemicals, especially those that sound unfamiliar or frightening. But again, a simple look at the science proves this myth wrong.
Understanding Vaccine Ingredients
While some vaccines do, in fact, contain these scary-sounding ingredients, they are present in very small, safe amounts.
Take thimerosal, for instance — a mercury-containing compound used as a preservative in some vaccines. Extensive research shows that the form of mercury in thimerosal, ethylmercury, is quickly processed and harmlessly eliminated by the body, unlike the more dangerous methylmercury found in certain fish.
Formaldehyde, often used to inactivate viruses and detoxify bacterial toxins during vaccine production, remains in some vaccines in trace amounts.
Such tiny amounts, though, that our bodies actually produce more formaldehyde naturally than the amount found in vaccines. Another check for the harmless column! Aluminum salts are included in some vaccines as an [adjuvant], meaning they boost the body’s immune response, allowing for smaller doses of the vaccine to be effective.
Again, the amounts used are very small and have been tested and proven safe over decades (seriously — over 50 years) of use.
Debunked:
The ingredients in vaccines are carefully selected and rigorously tested to ensure they are both safe and effective. The levels of these substances in vaccines are far below harmful thresholds.
Learn More: Vaccine Ingredients in 2024: Less Scary Than You Might Think
Myth 3: Natural Immunity Works Better Than Vaccine-Induced Immunity
Myth: Your immunity is better if you contract a disease naturally and develop immunity that way, rather than getting vaccinated.
This myth has gained traction in recent years as more and more individuals seek a sense of normalcy after the COVID-19 pandemic. We can find its basis in misconstrued information, as is the case with nearly all vaccine myths.
Understanding Natural vs. Vaccine Immunity
While it’s true that natural infection can lead to immunity, it comes with significant risks.
Diseases like measles, chickenpox, or polio can cause severe complications, including death. Vaccines, on the other hand, provide immunity without subjecting the person to the dangers of the actual disease.
For example, the CDC explains that vaccine-induced immunity is designed to be as strong or stronger than natural immunity without the associated health risks. The Mayo Clinic also notes that while some infections can confer lifelong immunity, others do not, and the risks of natural infection far outweigh any potential benefit.
Debunked:
Vaccination offers a safe and reliable way to gain immunity without suffering through potentially severe or life-threatening diseases.
Learn More: Vaccines Do Work, But They’re Not Perfect
Myth 4: Vaccines Can Overload the Immune System
Myth: Receiving multiple vaccines at once can overload a child’s immune system, making them more susceptible to illness.
Primarily a concern among parents, the science proves this myth to be entirely unfounded. Though we empathize with parents who want the best for their children, understanding how the immune system functions is crucial.
Understanding How the Immune System Develops
The human immune system is incredibly robust and capable of handling multiple challenges at once. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies are exposed to numerous antigens (foreign substances that provoke an immune response) every day, from the moment they are born.
The number of antigens in vaccines is only a small fraction of what the immune system encounters daily. Moreover, modern vaccines contain fewer antigens than ever before due to advances in vaccine technology, making them even safer.
Debunked:
Vaccines do not overload the immune system. In fact, they help strengthen it by providing protection against serious diseases.
Learn More: Seasonal Vaccination: When Should You Get Your Vaccines in 2024?
Myth 5: Vaccines Are Unnecessary Because Certain Diseases Are Rare
Myth: Because certain diseases, like measles and polio, are now rare, vaccines are no longer necessary.
Like many vaccine myths, this particular misconception misses the forest for the trees. More specifically, it ignores the importance of herd immunity, as well as the risk of disease resurgence.
Understanding Herd Immunity and Disease Resurgence
Vaccines are crucial in maintaining herd immunity. Herd immunity is the phrase used to refer to the form of collective protection from disease that occurs when a high portion of a given population has pre-existing immunity as a result of vaccination.
This helps our communities resist disease the spread of disease and is crucial for those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants or immunocompromised individuals. When vaccination rates drop, the community’s immunity weakens, and diseases can return.
For example, measles outbreaks have occurred in communities with low vaccination rates, underscoring the importance of continued vaccination. The WHO and CDC emphasize that as long as a disease exists anywhere in the world, it poses a threat to all, and vaccination remains essential to prevent its return.
Debunked:
Vaccines are still necessary to maintain public health, especially for the most vulnerable individuals in our communities, and prevent the resurgence of diseases that we have worked so hard to control.
Learn More: Dr. Neal’s Vaccine Recommendations Rundown: Who Needs What and When
Vaccine Myths Debunked: The More You Know
Vaccines have been instrumental in reducing, and in some cases, eradicating life-threatening diseases.
However, vaccine myths persist, driven by misinformation and fear. It’s essential to rely on credible, scientific sources when making decisions about vaccines. By doing so, we can protect ourselves, our families, and our communities from preventable diseases.
Plus, the more you know about vaccines and vaccine science, the more confident you can feel in the decisions you make to protect yourself and your loved ones.
That’s why our team of experienced and celebrated vaccination experts is always available to answer questions, debunk vaccine myths, and address your specific concerns. So, give us a call!
