Fact checking the myths around vaccinations

Why are some people hesitant to get vaccinated?

It’s a common misconception that all vaccine hesitant people are strongly anti-vaccine, but as Dr Dyda explains, this is not always the case.

“Vaccine hesitancy is a spectrum and there are many reasons as to why someone may be hesitant,” Dr Dyda said.

“Some may believe conspiracy theories, but many people simply have questions or concerns that can be addressed with appropriate consultation and discussion.”

Research has found certain groups are less likely to be vaccinated, including people of lower socioeconomic status, culturally and linguistically diverse populations and people in remote communities.

Dr Dyda explains that safety concerns are one of the primary reasons raised in literature, particularly for parents, in vaccinating their children.

“It’s important to remember, that parents who may be hesitant care deeply about their children and are trying to do what they consider is the best for them,” Dr Dyda said.

“Trust is a big contributor, and if people have mistrust in health care professionals or the government, they are less likely to get vaccinated.

“We need to break the stigma around being vaccine hesitant, to ensure people feel comfortable to ask questions if they want further information on vaccinations.”

What are some of the myths
surrounding vaccinations?

Vaccination myths are rampant, and online discourse sharing misinformation can easily ingrain these inaccuracies into common beliefs.

Below are some common questions people have when it comes to vaccinations, and our experts explain whether they are true.

Can the flu shot give me the flu?

Dr McHugh explains that this is not possible.

“The flu vaccine is developed seasonally, and there might be a different combination of influenza viruses included in the vaccine each year, depending on the circulating strains,” Dr McHugh said.

“The circulating strains of influenza are ‘matched’ to the flu vaccine to try and provide the best protection against severe influenza infection.

“It is possible to get a flu vaccine and still catch a different, unexpected strain that was not included in that year’s batch, but most of the time the seasonally developed flu vaccine matches the circulating influenza virus.

“Also, the flu vaccine is ‘inactivated’, and because it’s inactivated it cannot give you the flu.

“The reactions we sometimes get from the vaccine, such as a sore arm or a mild fever is the body’s immune response, and a good sign that the body is producing antibodies against the illness.

“Some people might say they got the flu after having their flu vaccine, but that's not actually possible.”

Do vaccinations cause autism?

No, they do not. Dr Dyda says this misconception dates back to the 1990s.

“The belief that vaccines cause autism was based on a study from 1998, which has been strongly discredited and retracted since publication,” Dr Dyda said.

“Many studies since this time have proven this link does not exist, yet misconception continues.”

Do I really need a booster?

The short answer is yes!

Dr McHugh explains that vaccines do not give life-long protection.

“Some last longer than others, but they are all different,” Dr McHugh said.

“After they wear off you won’t be protected unless you get a booster, which is why it’s important to keep up to date with your vaccinations.”

Are vaccinations safe?

Vaccines undergo extensive trials to ensure safety and efficacy, before being made available to the public, Dr Dyda explains.

“Vaccines are only added to the National Immunisation Program when there is enough safety and efficacy data available,” Dr Dyda said.

“This data is scrutinised carefully by leaders in immunisation within Australia, before the vaccination is approved for rollout in the general public.”

“While adverse events can occur, they are typically very rare, and the benefits of vaccination in preventing serious illness, hospitalisation and death far outweigh the risks,” she added.

Is herd immunity a real thing?

Herd immunity means that if there are enough people vaccinated against a disease, it can no longer spread and will hopefully, eventually die out altogether.

Dr Dyda says herd immunity is extremely important, but it only works if enough people keep up with the recommended vaccinations.

“Vaccinations are incredibly important for the health and safety of the population,” Dr Dyda said.

“There are people within the population who are unable to be vaccinated, such as those with a weaker immune system, so by vaccinating yourself you are contributing to overall population health.”