Myth one: Vaccination is part of a global conspiracy and is beneficial only to pharmaceutical companies.

This myth has numerous proponents behind it. It would be much more profitable for pharmaceutical companies to have people sick and spend money on drugs. Vaccines prevent disease, which means they knowingly deprive this business of profit. The vaccine market is not that big: how many vaccinations will you get in a lifetime? The numbers suggest that keeping people healthy with vaccines is not as profitable as it would be to keep people sick.

Myth two: Vaccines contain live germs, and there is a chance of getting sick immediately after vaccination.

The bulk of the vaccines used contain inactivated infections or their parts, or significantly weakened microorganisms. The vaccine is a simulator for the body to train to fight a real infection. For example, none of the coronavirus vaccines in use today contain live viruses.

Myth three: Vaccination lowers natural immunity.

We do not have any natural and innate immunity against dangerous infections. The body constantly repels attacks from viruses and bacteria. If a person gets sick, it means that the defense was weak or the attack was too serious. But, if a person has been previously vaccinated, vaccination will prevent the person from becoming seriously infected. Keep in mind that revaccinations should be done following vaccination schedules.

Myth four: Patients with heart issues (hypertensive patients, asthmatics, etc.) cannot be vaccinated.

A person whose body is already weakened by a chronic disease can usually be safely vaccinated. Keep in mind that vaccinations need to be done under the supervision of the attending physician during periods when there is no exacerbation of the underlying disease.

Myth five: Vaccines contain components that can do more harm than the disease itself.

All vaccines contain storage and stabilization aids. And yes, they have traces of mercury and aluminum. But the content of these substances is negligible. You will get much more mercury simply by eating sea fish and aluminum from your everyday medicines and deodorants. Additionally, as has been repeatedly proven, they have nothing to do with the development of diseases.

Myth six: Diseases that are vaccinated against are extremely rare, and living conditions and hygiene reduce the danger to zero.

This is exactly what Europeans thought until recently, refusing to be vaccinated against measles and meningitis. However, this led to an outbreak of these deadly diseases. Unfortunately, infections do not care how often we wash our hands and in what conditions we live. Herd immunity is formed only when 70 % or more of the population is vaccinated. If vaccinations stop, then the diseases will return.

Myth seven: You may be allergic to the vaccine.

This is partially true, as some people are slightly allergic. It is for this reason that vaccinations are always carried out in polyclinics, with the equipment to help in the case of anaphylactic shock. Fortunately, such reactions are extremely rare.

16 July 2021