Vaccination has eliminated smallpox, nearly eradicated polio, and dramatically reduced deaths from measles, pertussis, and dozens of other childhood diseases. Globally, vaccines prevent an estimated 4–5 million deaths every year.
Yet vaccine hesitancy remains a significant challenge, fuelled by misinformation on social media and declining trust in health institutions. As paediatricians, we want to address the most common concerns clearly and honestly.
Common Questions
"Do vaccines cause autism?" — No. The 1998 study that claimed this link was fraudulent and has been retracted. Dozens of large studies involving millions of children have found no link between vaccines and autism.
"Natural immunity is better." — Sometimes, but the risk of getting natural immunity is getting the disease itself — which can be dangerous or fatal. Vaccines give you immunity without that risk.
Protect your child. Stay on schedule with the national immunisation programme. Consult a Radius Health paediatrician if you have questions.
