Certain myths about immunization have got parents worried. Yet, the advantages of vaccines greatly outweigh any possible risks. In fact, in the past 50 years, vaccines have probably saved more lives in Canada than any other public health measure. Here are a few facts to help debunk some of those myths.
Multiple injections do not overload the immune system
Every day, our body comes into contact with millions of germs and our immune system works continuously to fight them off. Assimilating the small quantity of antigens (dead or weak viruses or bacteria) found in vaccines does not therefore pose any problem. In fact, the number of antigens found in vaccines has been considerably reduced over time. For example, today, the series of vaccines recommended at two months of age contains a total of 34 antigens compared to several thousands in the past.
While most of the diseases prevented by immunization have been eliminated, it is still important to have your child vaccinated
The majority of these diseases still exist elsewhere in the world and since they know no boundaries, they can be carried home by travellers. That's why it is critical to have children vaccinated - to protect themselves and others. In addition, the more people that get immunized, the more a disease tends to disappear altogether.
The MMR (mumps, measles, rubella) does not cause autism
According to many studies, there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism in children.
Vaccines do not contain any dangerous additives
Aluminum salts and mercury are often singled out as culprits in this respect. With regard to mercury, as of 2001, vaccines manufactured in Canada no longer contained this substance. As for aluminum salts, they are added to certain vaccines to improve the immune response, while allowing the count of antigens to be reduced. It has been shown, however, that these are not harmful in any way. Aluminum is naturally present in air, water, food and even breast milk.
To learn more about immunization, talk to your pharmacist!