It is hard to sort through fact and fiction when it comes to vaccinations. The internet is flooded with so-called experts, making it difficult for parents and caregivers to know who to trust when making informed decisions about their child’s health.
“Misinformation has many sources, but more notably it comes from social media and online sources such as Facebook, TikTok and personal blogs,” Promedica Nurse Jesse Mason-Brown, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC said. “The misinformation found on the internet then spreads through word of mouth.”
Mason-Brown, with ProMedica Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, knows the importance of educating parents with the latest data.
“Misinformation is a major issue. The science behind diseases has the potential to change, and that means recommendations for vaccines and possible side effects can evolve and update, [causing] people to not trust the officials.”
Parents may hear anecdotal stories linking vaccines to a variety of medical conditions, causing them to worry and question whether they should follow the latest guidelines.
“Stories heard from a friend or family member, and those read online, grab our attention. Fear stories occupy more of our attention than the actual scientific facts,” Mason-Brown explains, adding, “Also, medical terms can be confusing to those who are not familiar with them. Often, people misinterpret or misunderstand and for one reason or another, are afraid to ask questions to clarify.”
Where to look for trusted information
While the internet may showcase less than reputable sources, the following websites can offer a more accurate picture:
• The American Academy of Pediatrics: aap.org
• Center for Disease Control: cdc.gov
• VaccineInformation.org
• Healthychildren.org
“Your child’s Primary Care Provider is an excellent resource to help you make informed decisions and answer questions,” Mason-Brown said. “Every child is unique, and they should research and ask questions but use educated resources.”
Follow the schedule or wait?
Some parents worry that the vaccination schedule is too rigid, and then may want to delay, but Mason-Brown cautions against this. “Parents need to know that ‘spaced out’ schedules do not offer any more safety but instead involve more danger as their child is at risk of infection for a longer time.”
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“Vaccines are only approved to be added to the schedule after thorough testing, ensuring safety. The benefit of following the vaccine schedule is peace of mind, knowing that worldwide studies have been performed on the vaccines, proving them safe to give to children and teens. The risks of following the vaccine schedule are limited to mild side effects from the injection (redness at the site, mild fever, mild discomfort), with the risk of an allergic reaction being very, very small (one out of every million doses per the CDC).”
Big pharma myths
One myth that Mason-Brown seeks to bust is the connection between pharmaceutical companies and doctors receiving monetary rewards.
“Medical professionals are not compensated by pharmaceutical companies for administering vaccines and only receive payment from insurance companies to cover the cost of giving the shots.”
Community health
When families follow vaccination guidelines, their entire community benefits.
“As a parent or caregiver, it is important to be concerned with childhood vaccination and the health of the community, “ Mason-Brown said. “ Vaccines are proven to save lives and help prevent long-term health problems from dangerous illnesses and infections. When children are vaccinated, their immunity helps protect others who are at high risk, such as immunocompromised individuals and babies who cannot get certain shots.”
