Myths and Facts

Misinformation and myths about vaccines have been spreading fast. Here we will share the most common myths, so we can set the record straight.

Myth: Harmful reactions are common, and include severe allergic reactions.

Confirmed vaccine-related allergic reactions are very rare in children, ranging between 0.65-1.45 cases per million vaccine doses. Most vaccine-related reactions are self-limited reactions like fever and redness, swelling and pain at the injection site which resolve in a few days.

Myth: Vaccines lead to SIDS

Over the years, vaccines have unfortunately been linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), paediatric asthma, autism and other conditions. Vaccines have actually been shown to help prevent SIDS and other harmful childhood diseases, and have an excellent safety profile with rare serious side effects.

Myth: Vaccines weaken the immune system

Vaccines will not weaken children’s immune systems. In fact, vaccines do the opposite by making your immune system react stronger, quicker and longer when harmful germs invade your body. This is particularly important for protection against infections that are associated with severe illness, hospitalisation or death.

Most childhood vaccines are made of harmless inactivated or dead particles (called “antigens”) that can’t cause the disease they’re supposed to prevent, like Tetanus (Lock Jaw), Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Diphtheria, Hepatitis B, Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV), Influenza (the Flu) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. Some vaccines like Oral Poliovirus (OPV), Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) and BCG (to protect against Tuberculosis) are made of live weakened forms of germs and may, in rare cases, cause these diseases in persons whose immune system is very weak when they are vaccinated. Such persons are not eligible for receiving live vaccines.

Myth: Getting multiple vaccines at once is harmful

Getting multiple vaccines at one time will not harm a baby as vaccines contain controlled amounts of antigens in safe, effective doses. Infants and young children are often exposed to several germs at a time in their natural environment, so exposure to multiple antigens at one time is not unusual for the immune system.

Importantly, it is better for babies to receive multiple vaccines at the same time than to space the injections out because the latter prolongs the time it takes for adequate vaccination, increases the risk of infection before the baby is adequately protected, and increases the number of visits for vaccine appointments. Also, with technological advances over the years, many vaccines are given in combination doses (e.g. the 5-in-1 Pentavalent and 3-in-1 MMR vaccines) to reduce the number of injections.

Myth

The COVID-19 vaccine is not safe because it was rapidly developed.

FACT

The vaccine is proven safe and effective. It has gone through the same rigorous processes as every other vaccine, meeting all safety standards.

Myth

The COVID-19 vaccine causes infertility in women.

FACT

No vaccine suspected of impacting a person’s ability to conceive, has ever been or will ever be approved.

Myth

You can get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

FACT

YOU CANNOT get COVID-19 from the vaccine because it does not contain the live virus.

Myth

Once I receive the vaccine, I will test positive for COVID-19.

FACT

Viral tests look for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19.

Since there is no live virus in the vaccine, the vaccine cannot affect your test result.

It is possible to get infected with the virus before the vaccine has had time to fully protect your body.

Myth

I have already been diagnosed with COVID-19, so I do not need to get the vaccine.

FACT

If you have already had COVID-19, you will still need to take the vaccine as it is not known for how long natural immunity will last. Since COVID-19 can have severe health risks and the possibility of re-infection, the recommendation is to take the vaccine.

Myth

Natural Immunity is better.

FACT

Vaccines build immunity without the damaging effects that COVID-19 can have.

Allowing the disease to spread until herd immunity is reached will cause millions of deaths and even more people living with the long term effects of the virus.

Myth

The COVID-19 vaccine has severe side effects such as allergic reactions.

FACT

Although extremely rare, people can have severe allergic reactions to ingredients used in a vaccine.

It is recommended that people with a history of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) to the ingredients of the vaccine should not be vaccinated.

Myth

Once I receive the COVID-19 vaccine, I no longer need to wear a mask.

FACT

Mask wearing, hand washing and physical distancing remain necessary until a sufficient number of persons are immune.

Myth

Only the elderly need to take the vaccine.

FACT

Anyone can get COVID-19, some of whom have become seriously ill. All eligible adults should take the vaccine.