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Busting vaccine myths

While the global medical industry claims the discovery of vaccines as one of the single most important health breakthroughs ever, immunisation is still shrouded in controversy, misinformation and even fear.

Myths and old wives’ tales have always followed the immunisation story and even though more and more Australians understand the importance of vaccines, misconceptions remain, according to a recent survey. The Australian Medicines Industry has found that 94 percent of the 1200 people surveyed believe vaccines to be effective in preventing the spread of disease.

Aussies still confused about vaccination

Yet the survey revealed a few worrying findings, including that one in four believed natural homeopathic remedies are an effective alternative to conventional vaccines, while 15 percent believed immunisations weakened the immune system.

Another seven percent wrongly thought that children don’t need to be vaccinated because their baby’s immune system is adequately developed through the placenta and breastfeeding.

Professor Robert Booy, head of clinical research at the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, thinks the research highlights the ongoing confusion around the immunisations.

“While it’s heartening to see Australians understand the importance of vaccines in preventing diseases spread, the number of misconceptions out there is worrying. Australians are clearly confused about this issue,” he says.

Fact and fiction

Working out what’s fact and what’s not in this extremely emotional debate is a minefield for parents. But being fully immunised according to Australia’s national schedule is fully supported, condoned and encouraged by major health bodies and organisations like the Australian Medical Association.

But still the misconceptions remain – and while some websites and groups claim that these misconceptions are fact, they have not been scientifically proven. Here are a few.

The Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine is linked to autism

In February 2009, the US Court of Federal Claims ruled that the MMR vaccine does not cause autism. This reflected the findings of 18 major scientific studies which failed to show a link between vaccines and the widely diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder. The decision was based on an overwhelming body of scientific evidence.

Note

The MMR vaccine (until now given at four years) will be replaced by the MMRV vaccine on 1 July 2013 and given at 18 months instead. The MMRV combines the vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox). The MMRV will replace the single dose varicella (chickenpox) vaccine currently given at 18 months and the MMR vaccine currently given at four years.

Homeopathic vaccines are effective

No research can be found to demonstrate the effectiveness of homoeopathic preparations for prevention or treatment of vaccine preventable diseases, says Australia’s National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS).

Hepatitis B vaccine increases multiple sclerosis (MS) risk

The World Health Organization Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety states that “multiple studies and review panels have concluded that there is no link between MS and hepatitis B vaccination”.

Whooping cough immunisation is a waste of time

It’s true, whooping cough (or pertussis, as it’s officially known) is everywhere. In 2010, almost 35,000 cases of the disease were reported across Australia – the highest number since records began in 1991 and twice as many as recorded in 2008. So does this mean the vaccine doesn’t work?

Not at all. According to the NCIRS it’s probably down to a couple things. Firstly, there are more efficient and effective ways to diagnose the diseases so more cases are being recorded.

And secondly, research suggests that four to 12 years after having the initial vaccinations our immunity to the disease may have worn off. Hence the need for booster shots, that are currently given at four years of age and again in adolescence, and are now also recommended for adults in contact with young babies.

Childhood diseases are a rite of passage and build immunity

The fact is many of these diseases can be serious or have severe complications. For example, worldwide, measles is thought to be the fifth leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality, causing an estimated 770,000 deaths in 2000. Even with chicken pox, considered a relatively mild illness, about one percent of children who contract it, suffer serious complications.

Vaccines overload a child’s immune system

“Children and adults come into contact with many antigens (substances that provoke a reaction from the immune system) each day, and the immune system responds to each antigen in specific ways to protect the body,” the website says.