When it comes to your child’s health, it’s natural to have questions — and with so much information out there, it can be hard to know what to believe.
That’s why we’ve worked with local healthcare professionals to separate fact from fiction. Below, we tackle some of the most common myths about the flu vaccine and childhood immunisations — so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Whether you’ve heard concerns from friends, seen something online, or just want to double-check the facts, this page is here to help.
Myth: Flu is just a bad cold
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.
Myth: The vaccine gives you the flu
Fact: The nasal spray contains weakened viruses that cannot cause flu. Your child might get a runny nose, but this isn’t flu.
Myth: My child had it last year, so they are protected
Fact: Flu viruses change each year. That’s why the vaccine is updated annually to match the most common strains.
There’s no point giving a child the nasal spray flu vaccine because they just sneeze it out
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.
Myth: Vaccine overload a child’s immune system
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.
Myth: 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.
Myth: Vaccines contain harmful ingredients.
Fact: All vaccine ingredients are present in safe amounts and are thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness.
Myth: Childhood illnesses like measles aren’t serious
Fact: Measles can lead to pneumonia, brain inflammation, and even death. Vaccination helps prevent these severe outcomes
Myth: The MMR vaccine causes autism.
Fact: There is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism. This myth stems from a discredited study that has been thoroughly debunked.