The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Misconceptions about vaccine safety could cause a decrease in the number of Canadians who are immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, polio, and mumps. This could possibly result in epidemics of diseases that are seldom seen these days in developed countries. The successful use of vaccines in preventing disease means that most parents of young children in Canada today have never seen a life-threatening case of diphtheria, polio, or even measles. The continued success of immunization programs depends on a high level of public confidence in their safety. Unfortunately, a small minority of people actively oppose immunization. Their messages, which are often dramatic and misleading, receive wide publicity through print, radio, television, and the Internet. This can cause confusion for people who want to make responsible, informed decisions about immunization for their children and themselves. Here are some common misconceptions about vaccines, followed by the facts: Misconception: Vaccines are not safe. Fact: Vaccines are among the safest tools of modern medicine. You may have some swelling or tenderness at the spot where you get the needle, or a mild fever, but these reactions are most often minor and temporary. Serious side effects can happen, but are extremely rare. For example, severe allergic reactions occur in Canada less often than once per million doses of vaccine. See 'Seri...' on pg. Continued from pg. On the other hand, the diseases that vaccines fight pose serious threats. Diseases such as polio, diphtheria, measles, and whooping cough can lead to paralysis, pneumonia, choking, brain damage, heart problems, and even death. The dangers of vaccine-preventable diseases are many times greater than the risk of a serious adverse reaction to the vaccine. Misconception: Vaccines are linked to chronic diseases such as autism, multiple sclerosis, and CrohnÕs disease. Fact: These are false claims made by anti-vaccine books and Web sites. Recent research using the best scientific methods, and reviews of studies from around the world, provide strong evidence against such claims Misconception: Vaccines are not necessary because the diseases are gone. Fact: You are not safe from a vaccine-preventable disease just because it is uncommon in Canada. Travelers can carry diseases from country to country, and if you are not immunized you could be at serious risk. It is also important to realize that some people cannot have vaccines because of certain medical conditions or severe allergies. When you are vaccinated, you help protect the people who canÕt have vaccines. Experience from other countries shows that diseases return quickly when fewer people are immunized. For example, in 1994 there were 5,000 deaths from diphtheria in Russia after the organized immunization system was suspended. Misconception: Vaccines weaken the immune system. Fact: Vaccines strengthen the immune system to protect children and adults from specific diseases. Scientists estimate that the immune system can recognize and respond to hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of different organisms. The vaccines recommended for Canadians use only a small portion of the immune systemÕs Òmemory.Ó There is no reason to suffer from a disease if there is a safe and effective way to prevent it. If you have concerns about vaccines, talk to your health care provider. You can also find reliable, science-based information about vaccine safety on Web sites produced by Health Canada, The Canadian Immunization Awareness Program, The Canadian Paediatric Society, and the World Health Organization. Ð Compiled from Health Canada information.
