THRIVE

THRIVE, which stands for Tennessee Health Resources in Vaccine Education aims to support a healthier Tennessee through vaccine/health education and awareness. By bringing data-based vaccine information to the residents of Sullivan County, THRIVE aims to alleviate fears regarding vaccinations and provide evidence-based information to allow individuals to make informed decisions about their health.

News/Important Information

Myth vs. Fact: Understanding Vaccines

Myth: Vaccines can overload the immune system.

Fact: The human immune system is capable of handling thousands of viruses and bacteria daily. Vaccines introduce a minuscule amount of antigens, the substances that trigger an immune response, compared to what humans encounter naturally. Research shows that vaccines do not overload the immune system. On the contrary, they prepare it to fight off diseases more effectively.

Myth: Natural immunity is better than vaccine-acquired immunity.

Fact: While natural immunity can be effective, the risks of achieving it through disease exposure can include severe health complications or death. Vaccines provide a safe and controlled way to develop immunity without the risks associated with the natural infection.

Myth: Vaccines contain unsafe toxins.

Fact: Vaccines may contain substances that can be harmful in large doses but are used in very small, safe amounts in vaccines. Formaldehyde and aluminum, for example, are found naturally in the environment and the human body at higher levels than those found in vaccines. These ingredients are used to kill viruses, detoxify bacterial toxins, or boost the body’s immune response.

Myth: Vaccines are not necessary because disease rates are already low.

Fact: Disease rates are low in many areas precisely because of vaccination efforts. When vaccination rates drop, outbreaks of diseases like measles and whooping cough can occur. Vaccines are necessary to maintain herd immunity and protect those who are too young or medically unable to be vaccinated.

Myth: Vaccines can give you the disease they prevent.

Fact: Vaccines are meticulously developed to safeguard against disease, not cause them. Modern vaccines contain dead, weakened, or segment viruses which are incapable of causing infection. However, immunity can take several weeks to develop following immunization meaning that it is possible to become infected by a virus from your environment before full immunity is achieved. 

Myth: Vaccines contain microchips and affect fertility.

Fact: There is no truth to claims that vaccines contain microchips or impact fertility. Vaccines are designed to fight against disease and have been rigorously tested for safety and efficacy.

Myth: Vaccines alter DNA.

Fact: Vaccines do not interact with or change your DNA. Vaccines simply deliver instructions to cells to build immunity, with the body naturally disposing of these instructions after use.

Myth: Vaccines cause autism. 

Fact: Extensive research, including studies by the CDC and the National Academy of Medicine, has found no link between immunizations and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Investigations have consistently shown vaccines to be safe, debunking myths that ingredients like thimerosal or the number of antigens in vaccines contribute to ASD.

Ensuring Vaccine Safety: The Role of VAERS

The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) plays a critical role in vaccine safety surveillance, gathering data on adverse events post-vaccination. Expert analysis of VAERS data helps to continuously confirm the safety of vaccines.

Finding Credible Vaccine Information

It’s crucial to rely on credible sources for vaccine information. Always consult healthcare professionals and official health organizations for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

For more information concerning vaccinations please follow the provided link: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html

*The decision to receive any immunizations should be made after personalized discussions with a healthcare provider.