Immunizations have saved countless lives since 1796, when Dr. Edward Jenner developed the first successful vaccine. Robust testing systems and lengthy clinical trials ensure the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
In today's increasingly digital world, many people are inundated with vaccine misinformation. From social media posts to non-experts producing fear-mongering videos, it makes sense that vaccine misinformation negatively affects immunization rates among the general public.
In a 2024 study, researchers found that when people read social media misinformation that implied a relationship between vaccination and health problems, their intention of getting the COVID-19 vaccine dropped by 1.5 percentage points. Thankfully, much of this misinformation is flagged by social media outlets, reducing the number of post viewers. The study found that vaccine-skeptical content is far more nefarious, as its factually accurate but misleading presentation can cause readers and viewers to misunderstand the actual effects of vaccinations.
Here, we'll explore what you need to know about vaccine safety, and go over some facts and myths that will help you understand why vaccines are such an important part of your wellness plan.
Understanding vaccine safety
It's smart to research your healthcare decisions, and it makes sense to want to know more about the flu vaccine and other immunizations before you decide to move forward with vaccinations. Understanding the testing process that vaccines go through before they're released to the public may help you feel more comfortable with vaccinations.
The stages of the vaccine testing process in the United States include:
- Research and discovery: This process typically takes at least a decade and involves researchers working together to develop a potential vaccine.
- Proof of concept: In this stage, researchers study the potential vaccine's ability to create an immune response in mice and other small animals.
- Testing: If the vaccine shows promise in the proof of concept phase, clinical trials begin. Researchers submit their investigational drug to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and human clinical trials begin.
- Manufacturing: In this phase, the FDA explores the company's manufacturing plan for the vaccine, and inspects the manufacturing facility.
- Approval: A vaccine is approved or disapproved based on pre-clinical data and clinical data and information gathered regarding the company's manufacturing process.
- Recommendations for use: In this post-approval stage, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices develops recommendations for who should receive the new vaccine. Then, the director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) may approve the vaccine for public use.
- Post-approval safety monitoring: After the vaccine is distributed, the CDC and the FDA continually monitor the vaccine's safety.
The testing process is lengthy and detailed, and works to ensure that vaccines are as safe as possible.
Let's take a look at some of the common myths surrounding vaccinations.
Myth: Vaccines cause autism
Truth: Vaccines do not cause autism
The research is clear: there is no link between autism and vaccines. Some people have argued that thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative in vaccines, causes autism. A 2004 study proved this theory untrue. For those who are still concerned about thimerosal, it may be helpful to know that this preservative is only found in certain types of flu vaccines, and there are thimerosal-free alternatives for those who prefer that option.
Myth: Vaccines contain harmful ingredients
Truth: Vaccines are thoroughly tested and safe
Vaccines contain ingredients that allow healthcare providers to safely administer the immunization. Any substance can be dangerous if ingested in high doses, including water. Vaccine ingredients are found in lower concentrations than people are naturally exposed to in our day-to-day environment. Many people worry about formaldehyde in vaccines, but the amount of the chemical in vaccines is much lower than the amount we ingest in daily life from exposure to cosmetics, carpets, paint, cough drops, and upholstery.
Myth: Natural immunity is the only effective type of immunity
Truth: Vaccine-induced herd immunity and natural immunity are both valuable
While it's true that natural immunity typically offers better protection than most vaccines, don't cancel your flu shot just yet. Achieving natural immunity requires a high price, including suffering from a potentially life-threatening disease, in order to achieve protection similar to what you would get from a vaccine. Some vaccines—including the HPV vaccine, tetanus vaccine, and Hib vaccine—produce a stronger immune response than natural immunity.
Myth: Vaccines overload the immune system
Truth: Vaccines may cause slight side effects for a few days, but they do not overload the immune system
We've all heard someone say that they got the flu shot and then got the flu a few weeks later. It's important to remember that vaccines aren't 100% effective, but contracting an illness doesn't necessarily mean that a vaccine did not work. The side effects that come with some vaccinations—like a general feeling of malaise for a few days—are typically related to the body's immune response to the vaccine. Some people believe that a person's immune system can be overloaded and left unable to handle the pathogens introduced through immunizations. Repeated studies have demonstrated that receiving multiple vaccinations at the same time has no higher risk of adverse effects than receiving single vaccinations only, debunking the myth of immune system overload.
Evidation's role in promoting vaccine confidence
At Evidation, we're doing our part to contribute to health research by contributing individual health information to the researchers who need it most. With your permission, we use the health data you're already tracking to inform new treatments, help researchers better understand the effects of medication on the human body, and more. Bonus—you'll also get rewarded for keeping up with the healthy activities you're already doing, and we'll provide you with personalized content-based insights to help you keep moving toward becoming your healthiest, happiest self.
There's no way around it: vaccines work. At Evidation, we're proud to stand strong in the fight against misinformation to help people live longer, healthier lives. Accurate information is key in helping people feel comfortable receiving vaccines, and we're thankful to you for allowing us to do our part to support vaccine research and promote public health. Click here to learn more about what our app has to offer and get started today. We can't wait to support you!
