Vaccination Myths Busted

Are you one of the many parents worried about giving your child his or her vaccines? If so, you aren't alone. Every year, doctors see patients vaccinationswho express concern or flat-­out refuse to vaccinate their children. Thankfully, however, many of the concerns about vaccines are based on misinformation. Here are four very common vaccine myths, as well as the truth that refutes them!

1. Vaccines Cause Autism and Other Disorders

While autism has been on the rise lately, it isn't because of vaccinations. The study that expressed concern about the link between the two was based on poor quality research and was later retracted. Unfortunately, this was not until after vaccine critics heard the news and a false reputation for autism causation spread. The fact of the matter is that the link between autism and vaccines has been unequivocally refuted by good research, and no sound link between the two has ever been established.

2. The Diseases that Vaccines Prevent Aren't a Threat Anymore

While it's true that most of the diseases vaccines are intended to treat are no longer a major public health concern today, this is, in fact, thanks to continuous vaccinations! By no means does this mean that these diseases are gone for good. In fact, outbreaks still happen in areas when communities fail to vaccinate on schedule. Steady vaccination creates an effect called 'herd immunity,' where, because most individuals are vaccinated, those who cannot be (caused by a variety of factors, including ongoing cancer treatment or autoimmune disorders) are still protected from deadly diseases. Not only is vaccinating your child keeping them safe, it's the responsible choice to protect your friends and neighbors. Help those who cannot help themselves by getting your child vaccinated!

3. Having Too Many Vaccines at Once Will Harm My Child's Immune System

While the number of vaccines children receive can be overwhelming, that doesn't mean they are unsafe. Children are exposed to thousands of new germs throughout their childhoods, and their bodies are used to encountering them and dealing with them all at once. It's no different with vaccines.

4. It's Safer to Wait Until Children are Older to Vaccinate Them

If we knew exactly when children would be exposed to a terrible disease and which disease it would be in advance, it would be easy to vaccinate them right before they were exposed. The reality, however, is that we never know what children will be exposed to and when. The sooner they are vaccinated, the greater the chances that their bodies will be prepared whenever and if ever they are exposed.

Vaccines may seem frightening, but don't let the myths scare you away. When it comes to keeping your children healthy, vaccines are the way to go.

Questions or Comments?

At Harvest Pediatrics, we encourage you to contact us whenever you have a concern or question related to your care.
You can reach us at:


Napa: (707) 252-1076
St. Helena: (707) 963-0171

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Closed daily between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM for lunch.

Napa Office

Monday:

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

St. Helena Office

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed