World Immunization Day is observed today with an aim to raise awareness among people about the importance of getting timely vaccination against vaccine-preventable health conditions. Immunization is the method where an individual is made resistant to an infectious condition by giving a vaccine.

Immunization or vaccination safeguards the child from life-threatening health conditions and lowers the risk of spreading diseases to others. Vaccines trigger the body’s own immune system to shield the individual against ensuing infections. Timely immunization serves as the most cost-effective health assets. Also Read: World Immunization Week: Know The Power Of Vaccines

The World Health Organization states that immunization serves as a tool for controlling and eradicating life-threatening diseases. Statistics reveal that about 2-3 million deaths every year can be prevented with proper immunization, however, 18.7 million infants globally are not been provided with basic vaccines.

Indian government implements one of the largest Universal Immunization Programs (UIP) in the world in the terms of quantity, a large number of recipients covered, across the geography and a great proportion of human resources involved.

Despite efforts by the government, hospitals, doctors and NGOs, there are still several myths associated with immunization in our country. In this article learn about interesting facts about vaccines and how immunization shields our body from various health conditions. Also Read: Which Vaccines Are Important For My Baby?

1. Myth:

Vaccines are not necessary, proper hygiene and sanitation can shield one from infections

Fact:

Healthy living and hygienic practices will ensure a better standard of life and reduce the risk of infections. However, there are various infectious disease which can spread despite maintaining good hygiene and living conditions. Refraining from a regular vaccine schedule will increase the risk of infections. The fact is timely vaccines are a must and safeguards you from life-threatening diseases.

2. Myth:

Vaccines can be fatal

Fact:

Vaccination is mostly safe, however mild fever and pain in the arm wanes away soon. In a few instances’ kids may develop neurological symptoms, seizures and fever post-vaccination. However, such side effects are very rare and are carefully monitored and examined by the physicians.

3. Myth:

Vaccines can cause autism

Fact:

This is not true, because, in most cases, children are diagnosed with autism around the same time of their immunization schedule and in most cases people believe that immunization has triggered autism. Several studies have revealed that there is no association between autism and immunization, including the MMR vaccine. Scientific evidence has also revealed that vaccination does not cause sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other diseases.

4. Myth:

Vaccines contain toxic ingredients

Fact:

Vaccines do not contain any toxic or harmful substances. Vaccines undergo vast and intensive testing to guarantee their safety and efficacy. A vaccine contains a minimal amount of germ (bacteria, virus or toxoid). These germs are dead, weakened or toxoids that do not cause infections. Vaccines also contain certain compounds that facilitate vaccines to work efficiently and prevent the vaccine from being contaminated. These compounds are used in a very small amount and do not cause any risk.

5. Myth:

Multiple vaccines up the risk of side effects

Fact:

Research has shown that getting multiple shots at one time is safer and effective and does not cause any side effects. Even when multiple shots are given at the same time, side effects like soreness, redness and swelling will be mild and settles within two days.

Conclusion:

Vaccines improve the immune response in the body which is similar to the response produced by natural infection. They do not put you under any risk or complications and it is always the best option to trigger your immunity.