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| - Last Updated on September 3, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that the mRNA vaccines ‘eat away’ at children’s immune systems. We did the fact check to term this as False.
The Claim
According to an Instagram post, mRNA vaccines are harmful to children, as they tend to eat away children’s immune systems. The post cites an article from The People’s Voice.
Fact Check
Do mRNA vaccines ‘eat away’ at children’s immune systems?
No, mRNA vaccines do not ‘eat away’ at children’s immune systems. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. The mechanism of mRNA vaccines involves teaching the immune system to recognise and fight specific viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2. It does so without weakening the immune system. In fact, mRNA vaccines have been instrumental in protecting millions of people worldwide from severe illness and death due to COVID-19. The suggestion that these vaccines degrade or harm the immune system is a distortion of the scientific findings.
What does the German study say?
The study, titled “Delayed Induction of Noninflammatory SARS-CoV-2 Spike-Specific IgG4 Antibodies Detected 1 Year After BNT162b2 Vaccination in Children,” investigates the immune response in children following mRNA vaccination. It specifically focuses on the levels of IgG4 antibodies over time. The People’s Voice article claims that the study suggests vaccines dangerously alter immune systems in children, but the study’s authors did not conclude this. The children in the study were healthy, and the researchers are still questioning whether the findings even need further research. Interestingly, the study highlights the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines in fighting the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and saving millions of lives.
This misleading interpretation from The People’s Voice is just one example of the misinformation frequently spread by the website. For instance, they falsely claimed that the WHO ordered lockdowns for a deadly Monkeypox strain. They’ve also circulated a baseless conspiracy theory that the WHO is seeking surveillance powers to monitor people, which has no factual basis. These examples show how The People’s Voice regularly manipulates scientific studies and global health policies and fuels the spread of misinformation.
What are IgG4 antibodies, and do they weaken the immune system?
IgG4 antibodies are a subclass of Immunoglobulin G (IgG). They have anti-inflammatory properties. IgG1 and IgG3 drive pro-inflammatory responses. On the other hand, IgG4 plays a role in regulating immune reactions, particularly in situations where excessive inflammation can be harmful. Some of the situations can be chronic allergen exposure. Recent studies have noted an increase in IgG4 antibody levels in individuals after repeated mRNA vaccinations. Some researchers suggest that this rise could indicate an immune tolerance mechanism. This is likely to modulate the body’s antiviral responses. However, this does not mean that the immune system is weakened or compromised. Instead, IgG4 antibodies contribute to the immune system’s ability to balance and modulate its responses. It further ensures that the immune system functions effectively without overreacting.
A clear understanding about the functioning of the immune system is often overshadowed by false claims. For instance, the idea that COVID-19 vaccines contain nanobots. These misleading and often sensationalised statements can cause unnecessary fear and confusion. This in turn makes it harder for people to appreciate the real science behind vaccines and understand their benefits.
Is an increase in IgG4 antibodies after mRNA vaccination harmful?
No, it does not mean that. The People’s Voice article claims that elevated IgG4 levels following mRNA vaccination are harmful. The article further links them to various medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases and cancer. However, this interpretation is misleading. It is true that IgG4 responses can be detrimental in certain contexts, such as in certain autoimmune conditions or during anti-tumour treatments. But, they can also have beneficial effects, particularly in managing allergens and parasites. Emerging evidence suggests that the observed increase in IgG4 levels after repeated mRNA vaccinations may not be a protective mechanism but rather an immune tolerance response.
In theory, this could suppress natural antiviral defences, but it does not confirm that mRNA vaccines are harmful. The study under review did not report any adverse health effects in the children who were vaccinated. Plus, the researchers even questioned the need for further investigation into these findings. The broader scientific consensus continues to support mRNA vaccines as safe and effective, with ongoing research to understand the implications of these findings better.
THIP Media Take
The claim that mRNA vaccines eat away at children’s immune systems is false. The German study referenced by The People’s Voice does not support this claim. Even though the study found an increase in IgG4 antibodies one year after vaccination, it does not indicate any harm to the immune system. The role of IgG4 is complex and context-dependent, and the study acknowledges the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s really important that we rely on accurate and balanced information when making health decisions, essentially regarding vaccines.
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