In today’s digital world, it’s easy to get confused with all the information online – and not everything is true. You might have even come across the word “misinformation”. But what does that really mean? How can you spot it and keep yourself from being misled?
Misinformation means sharing false or inaccurate information, whether by accident or on purpose. This is especially a big deal when it comes to science, like vaccines. Even though vaccines have been tested and proven safe for decades, there is a lot of inaccurate information out there and it can make people doubt them. Over Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season, you may hear friends and family talk about vaccines in ways that don’t match up to the facts. Let’s explore some common vaccine myths you might encounter.
Common vaccine myths and how to recognize them.
1. Vaccines cause autism
Lots of people worry about this, but the science has shown it’s not true. Decades of research around the world have proven this. But here is why myth continues to surface. In scientific studies, an “extra” or hidden variable can influence the independent and dependent variables, leading to inaccurate conclusions about their causal relationship. These are called confounding variables. Imagine saying all fruit is the same because apples and oranges are both fruit. It’s not logical. When it comes to vaccines and autism, decades of research have carefully examined this question and found no causal link between vaccines and autism (Gabis, 2021). Some of the studies that have concluded that there is a causal relationship between vaccines and autism have failed to account for confounding variables that lead to misleading conclusions. Large studies account for confounding variables such as genetics, environmental factors, and differences in healthcare access. The overwhelming consensus in the scientific community is that vaccines are safe and do not cause autism.
2. Natural immunity is better than vaccine immunity
Getting sick might trigger your immune system, but it can also mean nasty side effects, including severe illness, hospitalization, or long-term medical complications. The word “natural” can sound good and healthy because many people assume that “natural” automatically means “better.” But vaccines actually work safely by training your body to protect you without the serious risks. While words like “natural,” “organic,” and “sustainable” are important when identifying healthy foods or cruelty-free skincare and makeup products, they can sometimes be misused as buzzwords. These are often used to make products sound good, but they don’t mean the science lines up. If you hear people using these words against vaccines, think twice and check the facts.
3. Vaccines can cause infertility
This rumor got big during COVID-19. In fact, studies monitoring millions of vaccinated individuals have shown no negative impact on conception rates, egg quality, embryo development, or sperm count. For example, a study examining the COVID-19 vaccine and fertility found no scientific evidence of an association between COVID-19 vaccines and fertility impairment in men or women (Zaçe, 2022). When you hear claims that vaccines cause a specific condition, such as infertility, it’s important to remember that such theories are often based on isolated cases. A true causal relationship has not been established, and scientific evidence does not support this claim. When you see claims about vaccines causing certain health problems, remember: real science trusts big studies, not just stories from one or two people.
4. Administering too many vaccines at once is bad for the immune system
The immune system is tough. The idea that children or adolescents get “too many vaccines at a time” and this inhibits their immune system functions is not supported by scientific research. The immune system naturally encounters thousands of germs every day, and vaccines present only a tiny fraction of that in a controlled way. Vaccines expose the immune system to a small amount of a virus so it can recognize and learn to fight it, building immunity without causing the disease. Understanding how vaccines work is one of the best ways to correct inaccurate information. You can learn more by visiting the World Health Organization’s page on how vaccines work.
How to tell if information sources are reliable
With so much info online, it’s super important to think critically and double-check what you see. Not every website, video, or social media post is trustworthy—some are designed to go viral, not tell the truth. Here’s how to spot the good stuff:
- Reliable sources are factual, science-based and unbiased. This can include trusted public health organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and local city and state health departments. Public health organizations are staffed by experts in medicine, epidemiology, and disease control. They base their guidance on rigorous scientific evidence, large clinical studies, and ongoing monitoring of health trends.
- Scientific journals and peer-reviewed articles, such as those found on PubMed, Journal of Adolescent Health, and New England Journal of Medicine and others peer-reviewed articles are great sources of information. Peer reviewed scientific journal articles have been evaluated by other experts in the field to ensure scientific quality before they are published. This process helps ensure the research methods are reliable, the conclusions are supported by evidence, and the findings are credible.
- Unreliable sources of information can be harder to identify, but in general, they lack evidence. For example, social media posts or videos that make bold and untrue claims are often not credible. They present controversial statements to grab attention and quickly draw viewers. Others may present data but they do not share the source of the data. When seeing these types of posts, it is important to ask yourself if this information could have been posted to increase viewership and social media presence, or if maybe a certain product is being promoted.
In a world where inaccurate information spreads faster than ever, it’s essential to pause, question, and verify before believing or sharing what you see. Understanding the science behind vaccines and knowing how to tell reliable sources from unreliable ones helps protect not only your own health but also the health of your community. By using critical thinking and other tactics such as double-checking credible sources, you can play an important role in stopping the spread of misinformation and helping yourself and others make informed, confident decisions about vaccines.
Bibliography:
Gabis LV, Attia OL, Goldman M, Barak N, Tefera P, Shefer S, Shaham M, Lerman-Sagie T. The myth of vaccination and autism spectrum. Eur J Paediatr Neurol. 2022 Jan;36:151-158. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2021.12.011. Epub 2021 Dec 22. PMID: 34996019; PMCID: PMC8694782.
Zaçe D, La Gatta E, Petrella L, Di Pietro ML. The impact of COVID-19 vaccines on fertility-A systematic review and meta-analysis. Vaccine. 2022 Oct 6;40(42):6023-6034. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.09.019. Epub 2022 Sep 12. PMID: 36137903; PMCID: PMC9464596.
