Vaccine Adverse Effects: Myths and Realities

Abstract

Immunization is one of the most important modern public health practices, having made huge accomplishments in the control and even elimination of numerous endemic infectious diseases. At the same time, we must recognize that an array of myths pervades some parts of the public mind and that most of these contrast starkly with reality. This chapter will begin with a consideration of the foundations of vaccine safety, from their initial development in research laboratories through the post-marketing surveillance for safety and efficacy by a variety of agencies and ongoing research. Adverse effects do occur with immunizations; most of these are common and generally mild, whereas more serious adverse effects can rarely occur. A variety of societal trends has allowed various myths to arise, from the advent of vaccination through today, complicating the successful provision of immunization services to our patient population. Vaccine adverse effect myths spring from common misunderstandings of actual adverse vaccine effects, a broad unawareness of the methods of vaccine science, and a perception of adverse effects that have no basis in reality at all. Successful responses to these myths require a grasp of the scientific realities that can refute the myths as well as – just as importantly – an understanding of effective communication with patients.