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| - Last Updated on November 6, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that childhood vaccines are ‘poison’ that make babies sick. After fact checking, we found out that the claim is false.
The Claim
A Facebook post claims that taking healthy babies for routine vaccines is equivalent to “injecting poison,” resulting in a sick child after each visit. It criticises these appointments as “madness” instead of “wellness visits.”
Fact Check
Do vaccines contain harmful substances?
No, vaccines do not contain harmful substances in amounts that can cause harm. Vaccine ingredients are carefully studied and regulated to ensure they are safe for children.
Ingredients in vaccines, such as tiny amounts of stabilisers or preservatives, are there to improve vaccine effectiveness or prolong its shelf life. For example, aluminium salts—often cited in misinformation—are present in minimal amounts. According to the NHS, these quantities are far lower than what babies naturally absorb through food and are entirely safe.
Additionally, some ingredients used in manufacturing don’t remain in the final product or appear only in trace amounts, which pose no harm. The NHS and organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO) provide information on vaccine ingredients to reassure the public of their safety.
Are vaccines essential for children?
Yes, vaccines are vital in protecting children against life-threatening diseases and preventing outbreaks.
The medical community recommends childhood vaccinations to shield babies from illnesses like measles, mumps, and meningitis, which can have deadly or severe, lasting effects if contracted. Research from Public Health England in 2020 demonstrated that the MenB vaccine reduced cases of meningitis in children by 62%. Moreover, the WHO estimates that over 154 million lives have been saved through immunisation over the last 50 years.
Vaccinating children not only protects them but also creates “herd immunity,” which helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. Without vaccines, diseases that are now rare could return, endangering vulnerable populations.
Dr Anusha Dewan, Practising General Physician and Public Health Professional, Jeevan Anmol Hospital, New Delhi, states, “Vaccines are absolutely essential for children’s health. They protect against serious, potentially life-threatening diseases that can spread quickly, especially in young, unvaccinated populations. Vaccines safeguard children’s health and strengthen community immunity, protecting vulnerable individuals or those who cannot receive vaccines.”
Do vaccines make babies sick?
Not really; vaccines may cause mild, temporary side effects, but these are generally minor and short-lived.
Most common side effects include mild fever or soreness at the injection site. These are actually signs that the immune system is responding to the vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clarifies that such reactions are mild and usually resolve in a day or two. Serious side effects are rare, and the benefits of vaccination outweigh these brief, mild reactions.
Researchers rigorously test vaccines before approving them for public use, taking them through multiple phases to identify any potential side effects. In India, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare continuously monitor vaccine safety.
The Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) surveillance system assesses any reported adverse effects, allowing healthcare providers and the public to report suspected side effects for review. Some people have also claimed that HPV vaccines are especially harmful to children, but this isn’t true.
Are childhood vaccines safe?
Yes, childhood vaccines undergo thorough testing and continuous monitoring to ensure they remain safe and effective.
Researchers conduct rigorous trials on vaccines before approving them, including laboratory studies and large-scale clinical trials involving thousands of participants. After approval, authorities continuously monitor them for safety. In the unlikely event that a vaccine poses a significant risk, authorities can re-evaluate, update, or even withdraw it to protect public health. In the past, we have debunked the claim saying HPV vaccine can cause permanent disabilities.
Dr Ubaid ur Rahman, General Physician at Holy Mission Clinic, New Delhi, says, “The medical community and authorities thoroughly test and monitor childhood vaccines as some of the most rigorously examined medical interventions. Their safety profile is well-established, and they are crucial for preventing severe illnesses in children. Mild side effects like a low fever or soreness at the injection site may occur, but they generally resolve quickly and the benefits of immunisation far outweigh them.”
THIP Media Take
The claim that childhood vaccines are ‘poison’ is false. Researchers test vaccines rigorously, and they have a proven record of safety and effectiveness in preventing serious illnesses. Any mild side effects are temporary and much less severe than the diseases they prevent. Vaccination protects children and communities, ensuring a healthier future for all.
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