Popular Immunization Myths Busted

Everyone I Know Is Vaccinated So I Won't Catch It

In theory, this myth seems pretty sound. You assume as long as everyone around you is vaccinated, no one will get the condition, including you. True, vaccinations have helped to eradicate dangerous diseases like smallpox so thoroughly that many individuals do not bother with getting vaccinated for it anymore. However, the whole idea of "everyone I know is vaccinated so I won't catch it" does not work as well for common diseases.

It only works if literally everyone who would ever come into contact with any surface or environment you would ever touch has been vaccinated. As more and more individuals begin skipping vaccines, it is tough to guarantee herd immunity will protect you from outbreaks. Even if everyone else in your town is vaccinated, one person could go to another area, carry back germs they are immune to, and infect you accidentally.