Introduction
From playground chatter to online debates, vaccine myths can spread faster than the truth. In 2025, understanding the importance of vaccinations is more crucial than ever to protect your child’s health and stay updated on the latest immunization schedules. Read on to find out.
Importance of vaccinations
Every year, childhood vaccines save an estimated 2–3 million lives worldwide. Thanks to widespread immunization, the global infant death rate has dropped significantly—from 65 per 1,000 in 1990 to just 29 in 2018.
Vaccines are products given to protect against serious, often deadly diseases. They work by stimulating the body’s natural defences, helping it fights infections faster and more effectively.
Most vaccines contain inactive or weakened parts of a specific organism (antigen) that trigger an immune response, prompting the body to produce antibodies and develop a memory of the pathogen—allowing it to recognize and fight off the disease without causing illness. It usually takes a few weeks for this protection to develop, and in many cases, it can last a lifetime.
By protecting babies, children, and teens from life-threatening diseases, vaccines not only safeguard individuals but also help prevent the spread of infections within the community, keeping even those who cannot be vaccinated safe.
Scientific evidence on vaccine safety
Vaccines are an effective means of preventing life-threatening diseases by boosting the body’s natural immune response to diseases caused by bacteria and viruses.
For a vaccine to be recommended as part of the childhood and adolescent immunization schedule, that vaccine must be tested, found safe, and closely monitored.
Safety testing starts as soon as a new vaccine is made and clinical trials begin, and evidence of safety is gathered for as long as it is in use.
All vaccines undergo rigorous safety testing, including clinical trials, before being approved for public use. Countries only register and distribute vaccines that meet strict quality and safety standards. While there has been some controversy over vaccine safety in the past, no credible evidence of significant harm has been found. Although children may experience mild reactions to vaccines, the benefits of immunization far outweigh the potential side effects.
Updated immunization schedules
| Vaccine | When to give | Dose | Route | Site |
| For pregnant women | ||||
| TT – 1 | Early pregnancy | 0.5 ml | Intra-muscular | Upper arm |
| TT-2 | 4 weeks after TT1* | 0.5 ml | Intra-muscular | Upper arm |
| TT- Booster | If received 2 TT doses in a pregnancy within the last 3 yrs* | 0.5 ml | Intra-muscular | Upper arm |
| For infants | ||||
| BCG | At birth or as early as possible till one year of age | 0.1ml (0.05ml until 1 month age) | Intra-dermal | Left – upper arm |
| Hepatitis B – Birth dose | At birth, or ideally within the first 24 hours | 0.5 ml | Intra-muscular | Antero-lateral side of mid-thigh (front and outer side of the middle part of the thigh) |
| OPV-0 | At birth or as early as possible within the first 15 days | 2 drops | Oral | Oral |
| OPV 1, 2 & 3 | At 6 weeks, 10 weeks & 14 weeks (It can be given till 5 years of age) | 2 drops | Oral | Oral |
| Pentavalent 1, 2 & 3 | At 6 weeks, 10 weeks & 14 weeks (can be given till one year of age) | 0.5 ml | Intra-muscular | Antero-lateral side of mid-thigh |
| Rotavirus | At 6 weeks, 10 weeks & 14 weeks (can be given till one year of age) | 5 drops | Oral | Oral |
| IPV | Two fractional doses at 6 and 14 weeks of age | 0.1 ml | Intra dermal two fractional dose | Intra-dermal: Right upper arm |
| Measles /MR 1st Dose | 9 (completed months) to 12 months of age (can be given up to 5 years) | 0.5 ml | Sub-cutaneous | Right upper arm |
| JE – 1 | 9 (completed months) to 12 months of age | 0.5 ml | Sub-cutaneous | Left upper arm |
| Vitamin A (1st dose) | At 9 completed months, along with the measles-rubella vaccine | 1 ml {1 lakh IU} | Oral | Oral |
| For Children | ||||
| DPT booster-1 | 16-24 months | 0.5 ml | Intra-muscular | Antero-lateral side of mid-thigh |
| Measles/ MR 2nd dose $ | 16-24 months | 0.5 ml | Sub-cutaneous | Right upper arm |
| OPV booster | 16-24 months | 2 drops | Oral | Oral |
| JE-2 | 16-24 months | 0.5 ml | Sub-cutaneous | Left upper arm |
Vitamin A (2nd to 9th dose) | 16-18 months. Then one dose every 6 months up to the age of 5 years | 2 ml {2 lakh IU} | Oral | Oral |
| DPT Booster-2 | 5-6 years | 0.5 ml | Intra-muscular | Upper arm |
| TT | 10 years & 16 years | 0.5 ml | Intra-muscular |
- TT-2 or Booster dose: Give before 36 weeks of pregnancy. If more than 36 weeks have passed, still give it. If a woman in labour has never received TT, give it then.
- JE Vaccine: Given in selected high-risk districts after the campaign.
- Vitamin A (2nd to 9th doses): For children aged 1–5 years, given twice a year with ICDS support.
- Vaccine introduction: Started in Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Odisha in 2016; expanded to Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Rajasthan, and Tripura in Feb 2017; planned for Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh in 2017.
- Vaccine introduction: Started in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry (as of Feb 2017).
Common myths and misconceptions
Myths: Vaccines contain many harmful ingredients.
Fact: No, vaccines do not contain any harmful or toxic ingredients. They only contain ingredients that allow the product to be safely administered, which are present in very small amounts.
Myths: Vaccines cause autism and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Fact: As per many studies, there is no evidence of a link between the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine (or any other vaccine) and autism or SIDS or other diseases.
Myth: Vaccine-preventable diseases are just part of childhood. It is better to have the disease than to become immune through vaccines.
Fact: Vaccine-preventable diseases are serious and can lead to severe complications in both adults and kids. This suffering can be prevented with vaccines. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce an immune response like natural infection; however, they do not cause the disease or put the immunized person at risk of its potential complications.
Myth: A child can actually get the disease from a vaccine.
Fact: If the child has a healthy immune system, it is not possible to get a disease from a vaccine. However, if the person has a compromised immune system, there is a risk of getting sick from a live vaccine.
Myth: Natural Immunity Is Better Than Vaccine-Acquired Immunity
Fact: Vaccination is safer than natural immunity because it introduces the disease to a person’s immune system in a controlled manner without the risks associated with active diseases.
Myth: Vaccinated people still get sick; what’s the point?
Fact: Vaccines are not 100% effective, but they majorly reduce the risk of getting sick and drastically lower the chances of other severe illnesses, hospitalization, and sometimes death.
Myth: Vaccines aren’t safe.
Fact: Vaccines are very safe and effective. When a vaccine is released into the market with a license, it undergoes exhaustive evaluation and rigorous safety testing to ensure it goes through a series of steps before approval for public use.
Myth: Multiple vaccines increase the risk of side effects or negative reactions.
Fact: There is no strong evidence that proves this statement, and many studies have concluded that giving multiple vaccines at the same time has no negative effects on a child’s immune system.
Talking to vaccine-hesitant parents
Talking to vaccine-hesitant parents requires empathy, understanding, and a willingness to engage in open, honest conversation. It is crucial to approach the conversation with:
- Respect
- Acknowledge their concerns
- Ask open-ended questions
- Listen actively
- Offer evidence-based information from trusted sources
- Share personal stories
- Be honest about side effects
- Address misinformation and misconceptions
- Follow up (check in regularly)
- Be patient and persistent
Conclusion
Vaccines are a proven, safe, and effective way to protect children and communities from serious diseases. Staying informed about updated immunization schedules, understanding the facts, and addressing myths with evidence can save lives. For personalized guidance on vaccinations, consult a general physician to ensure your family stays protected.
FAQ’s for Vaccination Myths Debunked: What Parents Need to Know in 2025
Vaccines are products that are usually given to protect against serious, often deadly diseases. By stimulating the body’s natural defences, they prepare your body to fight the disease faster and more effectively.
Vaccines contain inactive or weakened parts of a particular organism (antigen) that trigger an immune response within the body, prompting it to produce antibodies and develop a memory of the pathogen to recognize and fight off specific diseases without causing illness.
Vaccines are very safe and effective. When a vaccine is released into the market with a license, it undergoes exhaustive evaluation and rigorous safety testing to ensure it goes through a series of steps before approval for public use.
Vaccines save lives; hence, vaccinating your child can protect them from serious, potentially life-threatening diseases. Many studies concluded that giving multiple vaccines at the same time has no negative effects on a child’s immune system.
Multiple vaccines won’t overload the child’s immune system. A baby’s immune system can handle the recommended vaccines, even when multiple vaccines are given at once.
Side effects with the vaccine are extremely rare, and they are extremely safe. Soreness or discomfort after vaccination is minor and temporary at the injection site.
Vaccines prevent a wide range of diseases, including common ones like measles, polio, and influenza, as well as more serious illnesses like cervical cancer and various forms of meningitis.
