Why Vaccination Matters – And Why the Myths Don’t Stack Up
Vaccination is one of the greatest public health achievements in history. From eradicating smallpox to dramatically reducing the spread of diseases like polio, measles, and whooping cough, vaccines have saved millions of lives and continue to protect our communities every day.
But despite the science, misinformation about vaccines still circulates. Let’s break down why vaccination is essential — and separate fact from fiction.
Why Vaccination Is Important
1. Protecting Yourself and Others
Vaccines train your immune system to recognize and fight serious diseases. When you’re vaccinated, you’re far less likely to get sick — and you’re much less likely to pass that illness on to vulnerable people around you, like babies, elderly family members, or those with weakened immune systems.
2. Preventing Outbreaks
We’ve seen what can happen when vaccination rates drop — diseases we thought were under control can come roaring back. Measles outbreaks, for example, have surged in places with declining vaccine uptake. Vaccination builds what’s called herd immunity, which helps protect the whole community, especially those who can’t be vaccinated.
3. Long-Term Health, Fewer Complications
Vaccines don’t just prevent illness — they reduce the risk of long-term complications. For example, the HPV vaccine protects against certain cancers, and the flu vaccine can prevent hospitalizations and serious complications, especially in people with existing health conditions.
Common Myths – Debunked
❌ “Vaccines cause autism.”
✅ This myth has been thoroughly debunked. The original study that made this claim was retracted and discredited for serious ethical violations and flawed data. Countless high-quality studies have since confirmed: there is no link between vaccines and autism.
❌ “Natural immunity is better.”
✅ While your immune system can fight infections naturally, many vaccine-preventable diseases can lead to serious illness, permanent damage, or death. Vaccines provide strong protection without putting you through the risk of severe disease.
❌ “Vaccines have dangerous side effects.”
✅ Most vaccine side effects are mild — a sore arm, slight fever, or tiredness. Serious side effects are extremely rare, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. Vaccines go through rigorous testing and monitoring to ensure they’re safe.
❌ “I don’t need vaccines anymore — those diseases are gone.”
✅ Diseases like measles and polio haven’t disappeared — they’re just under control thanks to vaccines. If we stop vaccinating, these diseases can and do come back. Keeping immunization rates high is the only way to prevent that.
The Bottom Line
Vaccination is a simple, safe, and powerful way to protect your health and the health of those around you. It’s not just a personal choice — it’s a community responsibility. The more we understand the science and push back against myths, the healthier we all become.
If you’re unsure about a vaccine or something you’ve heard, talk to your GP or a trusted healthcare provider. The best decisions are informed ones — and when it comes to vaccines, the evidence is clear: they save lives.
You can read these facts and more at the Healthy WA website here. If you still are unsure and need further information, please speak to your doctor.
To book any immunisation including flu and COVID-19, click here to book online with our nurse clinic online or your doctor to speak further about immunising, or call (08) 9452 0300 to book by phone.
