No, it’s not a conspiracy.
MESF is committed to helping the public understand the safety and importance of vaccines and overcome vaccine hesitancy On social media, misinformation articles about vaccines got 6X more clicks than straight news and 63.6% of users were unlikely to fact-check what they see on the internet.
Vaccine hesitancy continues to limit efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 and its progression of variants, along with influenza and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).
Generally speaking, hesitancy may stem from, beliefs that the vaccine is unsafe, not necessary, and that the pace of its development was too quick, as well as the financial motivation of the authorities/pharmaceutical companies. Reliance on mistruths, or medical misinformation spread on social media can increase hesitancy rates, affecting the health of the general public.
What Can You Do?
It’s understandable for people to search for information online – the information is free and accessible, but not necessarily as accurate as might be found in a doctor’s office. If you can’t get to your doctor, be sure to research multiple reputable sites, to gain a thorough understanding of issues, concerns and benefits.
FAQs About Vaccination
Herd Immunity. Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a community (the herd) becomes immune to a disease. The spread of disease from person to person becomes unlikely when herd immunity is achieved. Herd immunity protects those unable to get vaccines, for example, infants or individuals with compromised immune systems. Herd immunity created via vaccination has contributed to the reduction of many diseases and has had a major impact in the eradication of smallpox, has reduced transmission of pertussis (whooping cough) and measles, and protects against influenza and pneumococcal disease.
Vaccines work by imitating an infection—the presence of a disease-causing organism in the body—to engage the body’s natural defenses. Vaccines help the body learn how to defend itself from disease without the dangers of a full-blown infection. The active ingredient in all vaccines is an antigen, the name for any substance that causes the immune system to begin producing antibodies.
Yes. However, if you have an allergy to antibiotics, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about getting vaccinated. But in general, antibiotics that people are most likely to be allergic to — like penicillin — aren’t used in vaccines.
Yes. People with egg allergies can get any licensed, recommended flu vaccine that’s appropriate for their age. They no longer have to be watched for 30 minutes after getting the vaccine. People who have severe egg allergies should be vaccinated in a medical setting and be supervised by a health care professional who can recognize and manage severe allergic conditions.
Individual Rights
For a better understanding of State and federal authority to mandate vaccination, go to: https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R46745, a report compiled by the Congressional Research Service. In response to concerns about civil liberties and vaccine mandates, the American Civil Liberties Union made this statement: “Far from compromising civil liberties, vaccine mandates actually further them. They protect the most vulnerable among us, including people with disabilities and fragile immune systems, children too young to be vaccinated, and communities of color hit hard by the disease.
Side Effects
Most side effects of the COVID-19 vaccination are mild and should not last longer than a week. The side effects are a sign that your body is starting to build immunity (protection) against a disease.
The most common side effects after vaccination are mild. They include:
- Pain, swelling, or redness where the shot was given
- Mild fever
- Chills
- Feeling tired
- Headache
- Muscle and joint aches
- Fainting can also happen after any medical procedure, including vaccinations.
Serious side effects are rare – about 1 or 2 out of a million may have a severe allergic reaction. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of your face and throat
- A fast heartbeat
- A bad rash all over your body
- Dizziness and weakness
If you experience a severe allergic reaction, call 9-1-1, or go to the nearest hospital. Talk with your doctor if you’re concerned about your health after getting vaccinated. You or your doctor can choose to report the side effect to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).
In the very rare event that a vaccine causes a serious problem, the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) may offer financial help to individuals who file a petition. Learn more about VICP. The Countermeasure Injury Compensation Program (CICP) may help pay for the costs of medical care and other expenses for people seriously injured from a COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more about the CICP (https://www.hrsa.gov/vaccine-compensation).
No. Vaccines do not cause autism. Many studies have looked for a link between vaccines and autism, and the research clearly shows that vaccines don’t cause autism. You can read more about these studies here: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/autism.html
Learn More About Vaccines
Learn more about the types of vaccine ingredients and why they’re used from the common questions below. More information from: HHS.gov: https://www.hhs.gov/immunization/basics/vaccine-ingredients/index.html
