Vaccinations have long been recognised as one of the most effective ways to prevent serious diseases in children, yet misinformation continues to spread, leading to hesitation among some parents. Concerns about vaccine safety, side effects, and necessity have fuelled myths that, if left unaddressed, could put children at risk for preventable illnesses such as measles, whooping cough, pneumococcal pneumonia, and severe influenza.

 

According to Dr Su Siew Choo, Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Respiratory Physician at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, vaccines play a crucial role in protecting individual children and the wider community. “We see fewer cases of deadly diseases today because of high vaccination rates. However, when misinformation spreads and parents choose to skip vaccines, we risk seeing the return of these diseases,” she explains.

 

Parents need to have clear, science-backed guidance from medical professionals. Below, we debunk some of the most common myths about childhood vaccinations and their connection to respiratory health, with expert insights from PHKL’s paediatric team.

 

 

Myth #1: “Vaccines Weaken the Lungs and Make Kids More Susceptible to Respiratory Diseases”

There is a common misconception that vaccines might weaken lung health or make children more prone to infections. However, Dr Su clarifies that vaccines do not harm the lungs but protect them from infections that could cause severe illness or long-term damage.

 

“Vaccines like the pneumococcal and flu vaccines help prevent infections that could cause severe lung damage,” she explains. “For example, severe pneumonia caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae can lead to hospitalisations, long-term lung complications, or even death. Vaccination helps prevent these infections, reducing the risk of serious respiratory diseases.”

 

Since the introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, there has been a dramatic decrease in the number of children hospitalised for pneumonia and other serious pneumococcal infections. Additionally, deaths from pneumococcal infections in children under five years of age have significantly reduced. “The pneumococcal vaccine is a prime example of how vaccination can prevent potentially deadly respiratory illnesses in children,” says Dr Su.

 

Takeaway: Rather than weakening the lungs, vaccines train the immune system to recognise and fight infections faster, reducing complications that could cause lung damage.

 

Myth #2: “Natural Immunity is Better for Preventing Respiratory Diseases”

It is often believed that recovering from an illness naturally helps build stronger immunity. While it is true that infection can trigger an immune response, Dr Su explains that this approach is highly risky, particularly for respiratory diseases.

 

“The belief that getting sick naturally is better than getting vaccinated is a common misconception, especially when it comes to serious illnesses like measles, whooping cough, influenza, and pneumonia,” she explains.

 

“While some children may experience mild symptoms, others could suffer serious complications or even die. It is impossible to predict who will have a mild case and who will face severe consequences. Therefore, vaccines are the preferred option as they provide safe, controlled immunity without the risks associated with the disease itself.”

 

Unvaccinated children are at greater risk of developing severe complications, including:

• Severe pneumonia following chickenpox or measles can occur in high-risk children, requiring hospitalisation, intensive care treatment and death.
• Pertussis (whooping cough) can lead to life-threatening breathing difficulties and apnoea in newborns and infants.
• Pneumococcal infections can lead to severe invasive pneumococcal disease, encompassing pneumonia, meningitis and blood-stream infections.

 

Takeaway: Natural immunity can come at a high cost, including severe illness, hospitalisation, or even fatalities. Vaccination provides a safer alternative, ensuring immunity without the risk of life-threatening complications.

 

Myth #3: If Other Kids Are Vaccinated, Mine Doesn’t Need to Be

 

The assumption is that herd immunity protects the most vulnerable members of society, including newborns, cancer patients, and those with weak immune systems, but it only works when enough people are vaccinated. If vaccination rates drop, diseases can spread quickly, leading to outbreaks. Recent measles outbreaks worldwide have been linked to declining vaccination rates.

 

“Unvaccinated children are at a higher risk of contracting and spreading severe respiratory infections. When vaccination rates drop, outbreaks of measles, whooping cough, and other diseases re-emerge, endangering newborns, cancer patients, and others with weak immune systems,” she warns.

 

“Vaccination not only protects the individual but also contributes to herd immunity. This means that when a large percentage of the population is vaccinated, the spread of disease is slowed or prevented, helping to protect those who cannot be vaccinated, like babies or those with weakened immune systems.”

 

A decline in vaccination rates can have serious consequences. “Vaccination has led to the near-eradication of diseases like polio and measles in many parts of the world. However, when vaccination rates drop, these diseases can return. In areas where vaccination rates are low, outbreaks of previously controlled diseases, like measles, have re-emerged, posing a threat to both the unvaccinated and vaccinated population, especially in pockets where herd immunity has broken down,” Dr Su explains.

 

Takeaway: Vaccination is not just an individual choice—it is a collective responsibility. When vaccination rates decline, herd immunity weakens, increasing the risk of outbreaks that put the entire community at risk. While misinformation can be powerful, science and real-world evidence continue to prove that vaccines are safe, effective, and necessary. By keeping up with childhood vaccinations, parents can protect their children from serious respiratory diseases and ensure a healthier future.

 

“Vaccination is one of the greatest medical advancements in history,” says Dr Su. “By staying informed and trusting medical experts, parents can confidently make decisions that protect their children and our communities.”

 

To learn more about vaccination schedules and recommendations, visit Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur’s paediatric clinic or consult with a paediatric specialist.