Vaccines help protect people from serious illnesses and prevent diseases from spreading in our communities. They have been used for many years and have a strong record of safety and effectiveness. Because misinformation can sometimes cause confusion or worry, this page is dedicated to giving you clear and reliable information so you can make informed choices about your health.
Liverpool City Council’s Public Health team is here to answer your questions. We provide honest, accessible guidance based on trusted medical evidence. Our aim is to help you feel informed and reassured when making decisions about vaccinations for yourself and your family.
Working alongside the NHS, we’re helping to share important national health messages all year round. Download the latest campaign assets from the Department of Health & Social Care website: https://campaignresources.dhsc.gov.uk/campaigns/vaccinations/
Here are some of the most common Myths and the Truth about them:
Flu is just a bad cold
Flu can cause serious illness, especially in young children and people with existing health conditions. Each year, healthy children are hospitalised with flu complications, and tragically, some children die from flu. It’s much more severe than a common cold.
The flu vaccine gives you the flu
The nasal spray contains weakened viruses that cannot cause flu. Your child might get a runny nose, but this isn’t flu.
My child had it last year, so they are protected
Flu viruses change each year. That’s why the vaccine is updated annually to match the most common strains.
Natural immunity is better than vaccine-acquired immunity
Natural infection can lead to serious complications. Vaccines offer safe, effective protection without the risks of the disease itself.
Vaccines contain harmful ingredients
All vaccine ingredients are present in safe amounts and are thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness.
Childhood illnesses like measles aren’t serious
Measles can lead to pneumonia, brain inflammation, and even death. Vaccination helps prevent these severe outcomes.
The MMR vaccine causes autism
There is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism. This myth stems from a discredited study that has been thoroughly debunked.
