Vaccine Myths
How many cases of autism have been scientifically proven to be linked to vaccines?
None. There have been many extensive studies based in different countries that have determined there is no possible link between vaccines and autism.
When developing a vaccine, before its clinical stage, is it tested on any humans?
No, before the clinical stage, it must go through preclinical testing, which is conducted with human cell cultures, where scientists investigate how the vaccine impacts these cells, or animal models are used, where a species of animal is selected and the effects of the vaccine on its body is studied.
What is the active ingredient in vaccines?
Antigens! These are taken from weakened bacteria/viruses or killed bacteria/viruses.
What is herd immunity?
Herd immunity occurs when a significant portion of a population becomes immune to infectious disease, and the risk of spread from person to person decreases; those who are not immune are indirectly protected because ongoing disease spread is very small.
Which disease vaccination do you receive a booster with within 48hrs of exposure to the pathogen via a puncture wound?
Tetanus. Without treatment, 1 in 4 infected people dies.
Why is it a misconception that children get autism from the MMR vaccine?
The MMR vaccination is given at the same age as when signs and symptoms of autism appear.
During the clinical stage of the vaccine testing, how many phases must the vaccine pass to be approved for safe use?
Three.
Phase 1: few volunteers test the vaccine
Phase 2: then hundreds volunteer to test the dose and immune response
Phase 3: thousands are trialled and research begins again to compare the vaccinated against those who are not
What does the adjuvant ingredient do in the vaccine?
Adjuvants are substances that help your immune system respond more strongly to a vaccine. This increases your immunity against the disease. Aluminum is an example of an adjuvant. This is your immune booster to the vaccine!
What is an antigen?
A portion of a pathogen that the immune system can recognize as foreign and initiates the immune response. Antigen's are used in vaccines to teach the immune system to recognize them, in case the body ever comes into contact with it.
What diseases does the MMR vaccine cover?
The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
Can you receive vaccines without thimerosal/ethyl mercury?
Yes, you can! Thimerosal is a preservative found in some flu vaccines and 1 Td, but those are offered in thimerosal-free vaccinations. Thimerosal contains a form of mercury called ethyl mercury that is so scant that it DOES NOT cause poisoning and is safe to use.
So yes, some vaccines have mercury, but that does not mean it is toxic.
Once a vaccine is approved, what is every batch tested for?
Potent (works like it should), Pure (certain ingredients used during its production have been removed), and Sterility (it doesn't have outside germs)
What inactivates the virus or toxin that goes into the vaccine?
Formaldehyde and heat. These permanently change the viruses/bacteria by rearranging their protein structure while remaining to be effective antigens.
What is an antibody?
A protein made by white blood cells in response to a pathogen antigen found within the body. The antibody attaches to the antigen to impede the antigen's continuation of harming the body.
Why is it recommended to get the flu vaccine every year?
Because flu viruses change so quickly, last year's vaccine may not protect you from this year's viruses. New flu vaccines are released yearly to keep up with rapidly changing flu viruses.