Busting vaccination myths

Fact: 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.

Fact: The nasal spray contains weakened viruses that cannot cause flu. Your child might get a runny nose, but this isn’t flu.

Fact: Flu viruses change each year. That’s why the vaccine is updated annually to match the most common strains.

The nasal spray flu vaccine is designed to work even if a child sneezes shortly after it’s given. The vaccine is absorbed very quickly by the lining of the nose, which means it still provides protection even if a bit of it comes out.

It’s a quick, painless, and effective way to help protect your child – and others around them – from flu.

Vaccines use only a tiny portion of the immune system’s capability. Every day children touch, eat, and encounter things that give their immune system much more to deal with than a vaccine does.

Natural infection can lead to serious complications. Vaccines offer safe, effective protection without the risks of the disease itself.

Fact: All vaccine ingredients are present in safe amounts and are thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness.

Fact: Measles can lead to pneumonia, brain inflammation, and even death. Vaccination helps prevent these severe outcomes

Fact: There is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism. This myth stems from a discredited study that has been thoroughly debunked.