Vaccine Hesitancy: Overcoming Myths and Misconceptions
By Mindy Guerra Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner Des Moines VA Medical Center
OMAHA, Neb — Vaccines have saved lives, prevented diseases, and improved quality of life for countless people around the world. By simply getting vaccinated, Veterans can receive many health benefits such as disease prevention, reducing hospitalizations, protecting others from serious illness, reducing deaths and lowering health care costs.
The health care team at the VA is here to answer any questions Veterans may have and provide correct and timely immunizations to help protect them and their loved ones.
Misconception: Vaccines are not safe
Before a vaccine is made available to the public, vaccines undergo rigorous and stringent testing through clinical trials. Health authorities evaluate the trials to ensure the vaccine meets highest safety and efficacy standards. Once a vaccine is approved by the FDA and introduced, national health authorities continuously monitor vaccine safety. In case of an adverse event, an independent group of experts assesses whether the event is related to vaccines.
Misconception: Vaccines can cause the disease
To make vaccines safer than the disease, the bacteria or virus is killed or weakened. This stimulates the body to make antibodies needed to become immune to the disease. This process can sometimes cause a low-grade fever or minor swelling NOT the actual disease. No vaccine is 100 percent effective and not all vaccinated people develop immunity.
Misconception: Vaccines can cause harmful side effects
Most vaccine adverse events are minor or temporary (ex., sore arm, mild fever). A person is far more likely to be seriously harmed by a disease than a vaccine. Inactive ingredients can very rarely cause hypersensitivity reactions. Thimerosal does not cause autism.
Do you have questions about vaccinations available through VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System? Please reach out to your primary health care team. They are available to answer any questions you may have, and help you get scheduled for any vaccinations you may need.
References:
Vaccines and immunization: Vaccine safety (who.int)IVS Home Page - Institute for Vaccine Safety