WHO's Science in 5 - Vaccines: Myths, facts and what WHO says - 24 April 2025

Summary

In this informative segment, Dr. Kate O’Brien addresses common questions parents have about vaccines. She explains that vaccines safely protect children from serious diseases, highlighting that natural infection carries significant risks, including death. Dr. O’Brien clarifies that children’s immune systems are robust enough to handle multiple vaccines at once, and that pediatric schedules are carefully timed for optimal protection. She also details WHO’s role in providing evidence-based recommendations, while individual countries determine their own vaccination schedules. The discussion emphasizes the importance of following science-backed guidance to keep children healthy and protected against harmful diseases.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The smallpox eradication campaign was the first successful global mass vaccination effort, saving millions of lives.
• 💉 Vaccines protect against serious diseases safely, without exposing children to the risks of natural infection.
• 🧠 The immune system responds similarly to vaccines and infections, but vaccines provide protection without severe consequences.
• 👶 Children's immune systems are capable of handling multiple vaccines at the same time.
• 🌱 Children are naturally exposed to millions of microbes daily, helping their immune systems develop.
• 📅 Vaccine schedules are carefully designed to ensure protection at the ages when children are most at risk.
• ⏳ Altering or staggering the recommended vaccine schedule can reduce effectiveness or cause missed doses.
• 🧪 Some vaccines must be timed in relation to others for maximum efficacy.
• 🌐 WHO provides global vaccination recommendations based on evidence from worldwide experts.
• 🏛️ Individual countries decide their own vaccination schedules, using WHO guidance adapted to local circumstances.
• 👩‍⚕️ Pediatricians, scientists, and epidemiologists play a key role in designing safe and effective vaccine schedules.
• 🛡️ Vaccines remain the safest and most reliable way to protect children, adolescents, and adults from serious infectious diseases.

Q & A

What was significant about the smallpox eradication campaign?

The smallpox eradication campaign was the first mass vaccination effort that successfully eradicated a disease globally. It demonstrated international collaboration and saved millions of lives.

How many vaccines are currently available to prevent diseases, according to the video?

There are 30 vaccines available today that prevent many serious diseases.

How many lives have been saved in the last 50 years by just 14 vaccines?

Approximately 154 million lives have been saved in the last 50 years by just 14 vaccines.

Is it better for children to develop natural immunity by getting sick rather than getting vaccinated?

No. While natural immunity can occur, exposing children to infections carries serious risks, including severe disease and death. Vaccines provide a safe way to develop immunity without these dangers.

Can giving multiple vaccines at the same time overwhelm a child's immune system?

No. Children are naturally exposed to millions of microbes daily, and their immune systems are capable of responding to multiple vaccines safely at the same time.

Why is following the recommended vaccination schedule important?

Vaccination schedules are carefully timed to ensure protection is developed before children are most at risk. Staggering or delaying vaccines can result in missed doses, reduced effectiveness, or vulnerability to disease.

Do all vaccines work independently of each other, or does timing matter?

Timing matters. Some vaccines need to be given in a specific sequence or at particular intervals relative to other vaccines to be effective.

What role does the World Health Organization (WHO) play in vaccination?

WHO provides global recommendations on vaccines by aggregating scientific evidence and expert advice. These recommendations guide countries in developing their national vaccination schedules.

Who decides which vaccines a citizen receives in their country?

Individual countries decide their vaccination schedules, taking WHO recommendations and local circumstances into account.

Why are vaccines considered the safest way to protect against serious germs?

Vaccines stimulate the immune system without causing the disease itself, allowing children, adolescents, and adults to build immunity safely against germs that can cause serious illness.

How does a child's immune system naturally develop immunity outside of vaccines?

Children's immune systems are exposed to millions of microbes in food, the environment, and their own bodies. This exposure helps the immune system learn to distinguish between harmless and harmful microbes.

What is the main message for parents regarding vaccines and science?

Parents are encouraged to trust science and follow recommended vaccination schedules to ensure their children are protected against serious diseases safely and effectively.