Vaccines cause autism – Conspiracy Theories Myths

Almost all vaccines that come out and are widely used go through rigorous testing at various stages. Tens of thousands of volunteers are tested before a vaccine is released for public use. Vaccine researchers and production companies halt research even if a single person shows serious side effects. There is no evidence that vaccines cause autism or other serious side effects. Vaccines help the immune system and thus protect us from disease. Studies have shown that vaccination is the most effective method to control diseases, and it has proven to eradicate infectious diseases like smallpox, polio, and tetanus from the world. Conspiracy theorists are peddling misinformation to undermine public trust in vaccines by spreading numerous fake theories. It is unfortunate to hear that many educated individuals are believing in some crazy and absurd conspiracy theories. Many public health organizations and physicians have been defying misconceptions about vaccines for more than decades and are providing factual information to ensure safety for all people. Let us examine some of the conspiracy theories about vaccines to get the facts right.

• • Conspiracy Theory – Vaccines causes autism:

    Fact: No, it is not true

    This is one of the most famous theories believed by some Americans. As the rate of autism spectrum disorder increased over a decade to more than 40%, many people suspected that MMR vaccines might cause autism. The widespread fear of the vaccine started in 1997 when Andrew Wakefield, a British surgeon, insisted that the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine increased autism in children. Scientists, researchers, and public health researchers debunked this theory, stating that autism and vaccines are unrelated, and later his medical license was discredited. After years, this theory gained much attention when an ex-President accepted it. As we know, he is among the conspiracy theorists who promote fake theories, and this adds to his list.

  • Conspiracy Theory – Chips are inserted in vaccine to track the movement of the people:

    Fact: No, it isn’t true

    Some people and conspiracy theorists believe that the whole concept of coronavirus is fake and is just a cover-up for a plan by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates to implant microchips linked to 5G technology in the guise of vaccines to track every individual. This started when Bill Gates stated that “we will have some digital certificates” to know who had received the vaccine. This is the origin of this theory, although he didn’t mention any microchips. Almost 28% of Americans believe this fake theory, while not every individual suspects Bill Gates. This conspiracy theory is still believed by many people even though there is no evidence to support this claim. It was debunked by Bill Gates and his team due to the lack of evidence.

  • Conspiracy Theory – Polio vaccines kill muslims:

    Fact: No, it won’t

    In many Islamic countries like Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Iran, some believed that vaccines kill people or would make girls infertile. They suspected that the USA had plotted a trap in vaccines to eradicate them. In addition, it was believed that the polio vaccine was made from monkey tissues, which are forbidden to Muslims. As a result, people in many countries restricted their children from receiving the polio vaccine and suffered from serious illnesses. Hence, many governments took the initiative to encourage their citizens to get immunized. After several tests conducted by the Nigerian government, this theory was debunked. Yet, the vaccines were imported only from Muslim countries for their own reassurance.

  • Conspiracy Theory – Vaccines are the used for population control:

    Fact: No, it is not true

    This is one of the fictional theories that was accepted by almost all people worldwide for decades. As many people have lost faith in the government, they believed that vaccines might be used for population control by making people impotent. Every vaccine is administered after numerous series of tests conducted by the government. Governments create awareness for population control through other means rather than injecting vaccines. Therefore, this is a fake theory with no evidence.

  • Conspiracy Theory – Vaccines are made with toxic substances which are unsafe to humans:

    Fact: No, it is not

    As we know that chemicals can be unsafe to consume in large quantities, many conspiracy theorists and people came up with this theory. According to the FDA, chemicals like formaldehyde, mercury, and aluminum are used only in trace amounts to make a vaccine. Therefore, they are not harmful to humans, and their use in vaccines is approved. Vaccines are administered only at particular intervals so as not to overwhelm the immune system; hence, this theory is a hoax.

  • Conspiracy Theory – Infants cannot handle vaccines:

    Fact: No, it is not true

    Many parents worry that infants’ immune systems cannot handle vaccines and believe that the natural immune system is better than immunization. Researchers show that infants’ immune systems are strong and can handle up to 10,000 vaccines when given separately. Even though this is only theoretical, in reality, only a single vaccine is given at once, which uses less than 0.1% of the baby’s immune system. As children are susceptible to new bacteria and viruses, vaccination is an efficient way to lead a healthy life.

  • Conspiracy Theory – Corona vaccine could change DNA:

    Fact: No, it won’t

    After the outbreak of coronavirus, the world turned upside down within months. To reduce the number of deaths and decrease the spread of the virus, different measures were taken by governments and health authorities. After more than ten months of struggle, the COVID-19 vaccine finally became available. As conspiracies about vaccines circulated worldwide, people hesitated to get vaccinated when it finally reached them. Conspiracy theorists came up with their own theories that it might change DNA. You might think, who would believe such an absurd theory? Unfortunately, there are many people who believe this. Some believed that they would change into animals like chimpanzees, monkeys, and even frogs. People hesitated to vaccinate as they suspected that gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR might be used in the vaccine. Although many people seemed to accept this theory, scientists debunked it as a hoax.

Although vaccines cause some side effects like fever and vomiting, they are given only in small amounts to ensure our safety. As vaccination is a great pillar of modern medicine, get vaccinated to stay away from infectious diseases.