Vaccines save lives: Misinformation puts them at risk

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OPINION

By Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero

Globally, vaccines have transformed the course of human history. Through collective effort, smallpox was eradicated, a disease that once claimed millions of lives. Today, the world is on a countdown to eliminate polio, a crippling disease that left generations of children with permanent disability.

In Uganda, we no longer see the widespread paralysis and lameness that polio caused in the past. This progress is a direct result of sustained vaccination campaigns, international cooperation, and the trust communities place in immunisation programs.

In Uganda, immunisation remains one of Uganda’s greatest public health success stories in improving child health and survival. Vaccines have protected millions of children from deadly diseases, giving them the chance to live, grow, and thrive.

In 1969, the life expectancy was 46 years old, however, today, according to the recent census (UBOS 2022), the life expectancy has increased to 68 years old. This is largely attributed to Vaccination among other factors.

Not long ago, our hospital wards were full of children suffering from measles, polio, pneumonia, and severe diarrhea. Many families lost loved ones, and survivors often carried lifelong complications. As a result, the families also experienced loss of income as they had to take time off to care for their sick children. But Today, thanks to vaccination, those wards have since been closed, and parents are focusing on income-generating activities. That is the power of vaccines, they prevent illness before it strikes.

Yet our greatest threat now is not disease, but misinformation. Misinformation is increasing partly because social media amplifies sensational and emotional content more than scientific facts, making it easy for myths to reach thousands within minutes.

On social media and in conversations, false claims such as the myth that vaccines cause autism continue to circulate. This misconception began with a 1998 study by Andrew Wakefield, which claimed a link between the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine and autism. This study was later retracted due to serious methodological flaws, ethical violations, and a lack of scientific rigour. Wakefield lost his medical license, but the myth persisted.

Let me reassure Ugandans: there is no scientific evidence linking vaccines to autism. Autism is primarily influenced by genetic and environmental factors, not vaccination. This claim has been studied and disproven many times. I want to reiterate that Vaccines are safe, and their benefits far outweigh the small risks.

Like any medicine, vaccines may cause mild side effects such as slight fever, pain at the injection site, or tiredness that resolve within a day or two. Side effects following immunisation are generally expected and normal responses that indicate the body is building protection.  These effects are temporary and far less dangerous than the diseases vaccines prevent, such as measles, polio, pneumonia, or cervical cancer, for the entire life of the child.

When vaccination rates drop, diseases quickly return. We have seen this with measles outbreaks in areas where coverage fell. This is not limited to developing countries like Uganda, but also the developed nations like the USA, France and Italy. Every unvaccinated child creates a gap that these diseases exploit. Vaccines do not just protect individuals; they safeguard families and communities through herd immunity.

It is natural for parents to ask questions. Asking questions is good and welcome. What is dangerous is spreading fear without scientific evidence. Vaccines are among the most carefully tested and monitored medical tools in the world. Uganda’s programme is guided by science, backed by global and local research, regulated by the National Drug Authority, and supported by technical partners such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), CDC and UNICEF.

Parents have always been the backbone of our immunisation success. By choosing vaccination, you protect not only your child, but also your family and entire community. One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is protection from preventable diseases. Ensure your child receives all vaccines in the routine immunisation schedule and on time. Every child must be vaccinated at least nine times before their second birthday.

The Government of Uganda remains committed to ensuring vaccines are safe, available, and accessible to every child. Together, let us protect the truth, protect our children, and protect Uganda’s future. The Ministry of Health toll-free line 0800-100-066 is available 24/7 to provide factual information.

Vaccines save lives. Vaccines are safe. Vaccines work.

MINISTER FOR HEALTH/WOMAN MP, LIRA CITY