Parents hesitate on vaccines due to false GBS claims

In Pune, doctors have raised concerns over vaccine hesitancy following a recent outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Parents are increasingly questioning vaccines, fearing they may be linked to the condition. Pediatricians warn that this reluctance could endanger many children. One mother expressed her concerns after joining a social media group discussing vaccine issues. She decided to delay her daughter's MMR vaccine until she could gather more information. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is crucial for young children. Dr. Pradeep Suryawanshi noted that false claims on social media have led parents to wrongly associate the GBS outbreak with vaccination. He clarified that the outbreak was caused by a waterborne infection, not vaccines. Additionally, misinformation linking the MMR vaccine to autism has resurfaced despite previous studies disproving this connection. Dr. Sanjay Lalwani mentioned that while some vaccines, like the flu vaccine, have a rare association with autoimmune disorders such as GBS, the benefits of vaccinations far exceed the risks. He emphasized the importance of immunization in preventing serious diseases. The US CDC has announced a new study exploring vaccine-autism links. Although the CDC states there is no evidence supporting these claims, misinformation continues to spread on social media, amplifying vaccine hesitancy. Many parents have approached Dr. Prateek Kataria with concerns about the flu and MMR vaccines following the GBS outbreak. Despite reassurances about the low risk of GBS from vaccines, many parents chose to skip vaccinations. Dr. Deepali Ambike pointed out that while certain live vaccines can have rare side effects, the overall benefits of vaccination in preventing serious diseases far outweigh these risks. She also noted that studies on the flu vaccine and GBS indicate a very low risk. Dr. Lalwani called for better communication to educate parents and reduce vaccine hesitancy. He stressed that the recent GBS outbreak was due to contaminated water, not vaccinations.