Vaccines are known to save lives, with the World Health Organization estimating that immunisations “currently prevents 3.5 million to 5 million deaths every year from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), influenza and measles.” However, despite the evidence about the efficacy and safety of vaccines, we are constantly plagued by myths and misinformation about the adverse effects these life saving shots can have, which in turn leads to vaccine hesitancy,

According to research in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, vaccine hesitancy in India is ingrained in social, economic, and cultural contexts. One of the main causes behind people opting out of life-saving vaccines has been misinformation, information which is not true or is factually incorrect. Rumors spread widely on social media sites and messaging apps like WhatsApp, ranging from claims that vaccines contain ingredients that are prohibited by some religions to claims that they cause infertility or death. Such rumors were the main reason given by 23% of hesitant people for their refusal, according to a report by the Centre for Social and Behavior Change published in 2021.

Another important factor is trust in institutions and experts. In the surveys we see that people often cite past experiences with subpar healthcare delivery or a lack of transparency, many respondents—especially those in rural areas express skepticism towards government health campaigns. The quick development and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines, which was seen with suspicion only added to the mistrust which was already present.

India has in place a number of initiatives to address these issues. Local authorities, religious leaders, and community health workers work in tandem to dispel rumors and provide factual information.

Despite these efforts, First Check has come across multiple viral myths regarding vaccines over the years that cause hesitancy. Here, we debunk the four major ones that refuse to die and keep resurfacing time and again.

MYTH #1

Vaccines cause impotency or infertility

This is a widely circulated rumor claiming that vaccines can lead to impotence in humans. The Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has emphasized that no credible studies support this claim, noting vaccines do not interact with reproductive systems.

MYTH #2

Natural Immunity Is Better Than Vaccines

Research shows that natural immunity wanes faster and poses higher risks. A 2023 Nature study found vaccinated individuals had lower hospitalization rates than those relying on natural immunity, especially during Omicron surges.

MYTH #3

Vaccines Alter DNA 

Misinformation about mRNA technology has fueled fears of genetic modification. Scientists clarify that COVID-19 vaccines do not enter cell nuclei or interact with DNA, with mRNA degrading within days.

MYTH #4

Vaccines cause autism

This is a myth that has been around since the 1990s, and refuses due down despite evidence to the contrary. It started with a study that was published in the Lancet that claimed that there was a link between the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism. However, this study was later exposed as flawed and unethical, and Lancet even retracted the study in 2010. In fact, the physician involved in the study even lost his license to practice medicine. Multiple studies have debunked these claims since then, and found that there was no link between the vaccine and autism. 

Also read: World Immunization Week: Vaccines are probably one of the biggest innovation of the 20th century, says Dr Soumya Swaminathan – First Check

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