14 Misconceptions vs. Truths About Pneumococcal Vaccine

Almost 1-million Americans contract pneumococcal pneumonia every year, that’s a significant portion of the population. Pneumonia is a preventable disease, so it’s surprising how many people still get this infection – especially in the era of vaccines.

Pneumococcal bacteria are responsible for the development of pneumonia, and its effects on the body can vary depending on the extent of the infection, as well as the patients’ medical history and age. Seniors and cigarette smokers are most at risk of developing pneumonia, and they struggle with clearing the infection as well.

Seniors experience a decrease in immune function as they age, and smokers often experience chronic bronchitis infection which can progress to pneumonia. Taking a pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent the onset of bacterial infection which results in pneumonia.

Since the vaccine has already been available for decades, why do people avoid being vaccinated? Here are eight misconceptions and truths about the pneumococcal vaccine.

1.   Vaccines Kill People

Talk to enough people about vaccines, and you’re likely to run into a conspiracy theorist that tells you they refuse to vaccinate themselves and their family against infectious diseases, such as pneumococcal bacteria.

When pressed, these people reveal that they believe vaccines are a government plot to wipe out the American people. When asked for evidence of these accusations, the conspiracy theorist will point out that vaccines are responsible for the development of autism in children.

While this may seem like a ludicrous statement, these individuals whole-heartedly believe that they will end up dying if they receive a vaccination. However, further study of the subject shows that this is indeed an absurd statement. There were some initial complications with early vaccines, but science has since perfected the medicine.

Refusing to vaccinate your family and yourself allows for previously exterminated diseases, such as smallpox, to gain the chance at a revival. Discarding the science on the topic because you watched a YouTube video, is a case of poor judgment.