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Between flu season and the ongoing spread of COVID-19, it can be hard to dodge getting sick (especially if you have little ones who are back at school and catching … everything).
Even if you do get sick, there’s one scientifically proven way to prevent your already miserable illness from becoming worse, or even life-threatening: vaccines.
But with a million and one myths about the efficacy of vaccines circulating — and potential long-term side effects from them — it’s important to know the facts about vaccines, and why you should get them.
Why should you get vaccinated?
Abby Hussein, MD, MPH, the associate medical director of infection prevention and control at the University of Washington Medical Center, says that it’s OK to have questions about getting vaccines.
But Hussein emphasizes that getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to protect your health and the health of those around you. “Vaccines help prevent many serious infections, including some that have no cure or specific treatment.”
It’s true — no vaccine is 100% perfect. Even if you’re on top of getting your flu or COVID boosters, you might still catch the virus. Vaccines, however, significantly reduce your risk of getting sick.
“And if you do get infected, your illness is usually much milder than it would be without the vaccine,” says Hussein.
Plus, they play a critical role in protecting the people around you, especially those who have weaker immune systems, like children, older adults or those with chronic illnesses.
“When you get vaccinated, you’re not just protecting yourself; you’re helping stop the spread of disease in your community,” says Hussein.
But what about the potential dangers of vaccines? Is there any merit to that?
Is it dangerous to get vaccinated?
Lauren Jatt, MD, an infectious disease doctor at UW Medicine, says that extensive research shows vaccines are safe and effective.
“Every medical intervention has side effects,” says Jatt. “However, in the case of licensed vaccines, these side effects are very rare and for most people the benefit of vaccination outweighs any potential risk of vaccination.”
Additionally, deciding not to get vaccinated comes with a couple of significant risks, such as contracting an illness and developing complications.
Do vaccines have side effects?
Yes, you might experience a few side effects after getting a vaccine. For example, have you ever felt achy or tired after getting a booster? That’s completely normal.
But many of the alleged side effects that you hear about, espeically online, are rooted in myth and misinformation.
“Like any medicine, vaccines can cause mild side effects, including soreness at the injection site or a low-grade fever, and in very rare cases, more serious reactions,” says Hussein. “However, the risk of a severe side effect from a vaccine is far lower than the risk of complications from the diseases vaccines prevent.”
One of the most persistent myths is that vaccines cause autism. This claim has been disproven time and time again.
“There are no credible scientific studies that show any link between vaccines and autism,” says Hussein. “In fact, the original study that sparked this myth was found to be fraudulent and has since been retracted.”
Of course, if you’re concerned that you might have a serious reaction to a vaccine, it’s important to talk to your doctor so they can give a recommendation based on your health history and up-to-date, science-based evidence.
What happens if I don’t get vaccinated?
If you’re not vaccinated, you’re more vulnerable to infections that could have been prevented — some of which can cause severe illness or long-term complications.
“Even if recovery is likely, the illness may last longer or be more intense than it would have been with the protection of a vaccine,” says Hussein. “Unvaccinated individuals can also unknowingly spread infections to others who may be more susceptible and not able to fight off illness as effectively.”
What vaccines do doctors recommend?
It’s most important to make sure you’re up to date on these vaccines:
- RSV: One dose each year for adults over 75, for some adults between 50 and 74, and during every pregnancy while in RSV season
- Influenza (flu): One dose each year for people of all ages
- COVID-19: At least one dose each year for those aged 64 and younger; at least two doses for those over age 65 (and yes, it’s safe to get while pregnant)
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough) or Td (tetanus and diphtheria): Every 10 years for all adults or during every pregnancy
Other important vaccinations that you can talk with your doctor about include (these are not annual vaccines):
- HPV: Once between age 19 to 26
- Hepatitis B: Once between age 19 to 56
- Chickenpox: Once for U.S.-born people age 45 and younger
- Shingles: Two doses recommended for some adults between age 19 to 49, and for all adults after age 50
- Pneumococcus: One or two doses recommended for some adults between age 19 to 49, and for all adults after age 50
What if I’m still nervous to get vaccinated?
Jatt says it’s normal to feel anxious about getting vaccines.
“Luckily, millions of people safely receive vaccines each year,” says Jatt. “The evidence shows us that the benefits of protection outweigh the small risks.”
Hussein encourages people to talk openly with a trusted healthcare provider about their concerns.
“They can help explain how vaccines work, address specific worries and offer personalized guidance based on health history,” she says.
If you can’t talk to a doctor, reliable resources like the Washington State Department of Health can also provide clear, evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions.
“The goal isn’t to pressure anyone but to support understanding through honest conversation and trustworthy facts,” says Hussein.
The information in this article is accurate as of the publication date. While Right as Rain strives to keep our stories as current as possible, but things may have changed since publication. We encourage you to stay informed by consulting your local health department resources, such as Seattle and King County Public Health or the Washington State Department of Health.
