Setting the Record Straight: Vaccine Myths & the Facts Parents Need to Know
At Augusta Pediatrics, we believe that keeping your child healthy and safe starts with good information—and vaccines are one of the biggest success stories in modern medicine.
Thanks to childhood vaccines, diseases like whooping cough, tetanus, polio, and meningitis are now incredibly rare. In fact, vaccines have worked so well that many parents have never seen how serious these illnesses can be. Understandably, some families wonder if their child really needs all the recommended shots.
If you’ve ever found yourself asking that question—or Googling it late at night—you’re not alone. We understand that you’re asking questions out of love and concern because you want the best for your child. But it’s important to know that while there’s plenty of information online, not all of it is true. Sadly, much of the content that fuels fears about vaccines is inaccurate, unproven, and can scare parents away from protecting their children against life-threatening diseases.
Let’s look at where some of these myths come from—and what the facts really say.
The “Disinformation Dozen”
It might surprise you to learn that most anti-vaccine content you see online comes from just a handful of people. A 2021 report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate found that about two-thirds of vaccine misinformation on social media originated from only 12 individuals, sometimes called the “disinformation dozen.” These people profit from spreading fear and driving traffic to their websites and products.
Social Media Isn’t Fact-Checked
Social media posts can look convincing, but here’s the reality:
- Algorithms push popular content. Social platforms show you posts that get clicks, even if they’re false.
- One click leads to more misinformation. Interacting with one piece of misinformation can create a “rabbit hole,” showing you similar misleading posts over and over.
- Anti-vaccine posts go viral fast. They spread quickly because they play on fear and emotion.
- Experts are targeted. People sharing factual, science-based information are sometimes drowned out by loud voices spreading myths.
Top Vaccine Myths—and the Facts
Let’s bust some of the biggest myths we hear from concerned parents:
Myth #1: Vaccines Cause Autism
This myth began in the 1990s when a small study suggested a link between the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine and autism.
The truth: That study was based on bad science, was discredited, and was eventually retracted by the journal that published it. Since then, large studies in multiple countries—including thousands of children—have found no connection between the MMR vaccine and autism. Many kids receive an autism diagnosis between 18 and 30 months, around the same time the MMR vaccine is given. But research shows that autism is not caused by vaccines or their components, most specifically the MMR vaccine Unfortunately, fear from this myth has led to areas with low vaccination rates, causing outbreaks of measles, which had previously been eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.
Myth #2: Mercury in Vaccines is Dangerous
Some parents worry about a preservative called thimerosal, which contains mercury and was once used in vaccines.
The truth: There are different types of mercury. Thimerosal contains ethylmercury, which your body clears quickly. It’s not the same as methylmercury, which can build up from eating certain fish and cause health problems. Extensive research shows thimerosal does not cause neurologic problems. And since 2001, it’s no longer used in routine childhood vaccines in the U.S.
Why Vaccines Matter
Choosing to vaccinate your child means protecting them—and those around them—from diseases that can cause serious illness, long-term complications, or even death.
At Augusta Pediatrics, we’re here to answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and help you make the best decisions for your child’s health.
If you’ve seen something online that makes you uneasy, please ask us about it. We’re happy to talk it through and share the facts you can trust. Have questions about vaccines? Let’s talk about these at your next appointment. We’re here to help!
Additional resources:
https://www.chop.edu/vaccine-education-center
Sources of information taken from American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2022). For questions, to book an appointment, or any other concerns, Augusta Pediatrics can be reached at (706) 868-0389. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.
Leave a Reply