Vaccines 

Vaccines are modern medicine’s greatest defence: they train your immune system to recognize dangerous germs and respond instantly, stopping infections before they start. 

Mechanism of Action:

TL;DR: Vaccines are training sessions for your immune system—they use tiny, safe pieces of germs to teach your body how to defend against real infections, so if you’re exposed to the actual disease, you’re ready to fight it off fast and stay healthy.

The Nerdy Version:

Vaccines contain fragments—or blueprints—of a virus or bacteria, called antigens. When these antigens enter your body, your immune system springs into action: macrophages gobble them up, T cells coordinate the response, and B cells make antibodies tailored to the invader. Your body also makes memory cells—long-lived defenders that recognize the same pathogen if you encounter it years later. This means you can launch a swift, strong response before the real germ causes trouble.

Some vaccines require multiple doses, which give your immune system the "reminders" it needs to keep that memory sharp and protection high. Modern vaccines come in many types—including live, inactivated, and new mRNA versions—but all work by safely prompting your body to build immunity, without giving you the actual disease.

Vaccines don’t just protect you—they build “herd immunity,” shielding those who can’t get vaccinated themselves. In short, vaccines help communities stamp out diseases before they spread, saving lives and keeping everyone safer.

Yes, rates of vaccine-preventable diseases in Canadian children are rising—especially measles, which had over 4,700 cases reported in 2025, nearly three times higher than the United States this year. Outbreaks have been noted across 10 provinces, with the most cases in Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba, and one death reported.

Canada, which achieved measles elimination status in 1998, is now at risk of losing this status because vaccination rates have slipped below the crucial 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. Nearly 80% of recent Canadian measles cases have occurred in unvaccinated individuals, underscoring the direct link between vaccine coverage and disease outbreaks.

Public health officials across the country warn that falling vaccination rates make it easier for preventable diseases like measles, pertussis, and polio to spread in schools and communities—reminding us that skipping shots can quickly undo decades of progress.

Vaccines have an exceptional safety record—serious reactions are extremely rare. For childhood vaccines, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) happen in less than 1 in a million doses; other severe effects (like seizures or hospitalizations) are also extremely rare. Most vaccine side effects are mild: brief arm soreness, tiredness, or fever. Data from hundreds of millions of doses show overwhelmingly that the benefits far outweigh these rare risks.

When did the drama start?

Vaccine myths and distrust have been around since the very beginning of vaccines—a surprising plot twist that dates all the way back to the 1800s and the smallpox vaccine. When Edward Jenner introduced the first vaccine using cowpox to prevent smallpox, some were certain the procedure would cause bizarre side effects or even turn people into cows! Over the centuries, every new vaccine (from polio and measles to COVID-19) has encountered waves of skepticism, rumours, and fear—often fuelled by misinformation, concerns about safety, and resistance to change.

Despite these myths, rigorous science has consistently shown that vaccines are among the safest and most effective medical tools ever invented. If history teaches us anything, it’s that vaccine rumours tend to come and go, but the life-saving benefits of vaccines always stand the test of time.

The MMR Meltdown 

The MMR vaccine-autism myth began with a 1998 study by Dr. Andrew Wakefield that falsely claimed a link between the vaccine and autism. His work was later exposed as fraudulent: data were manipulated, ethical rules were broken, and conflicts of interest weren't disclosed. Dozens of large, high-quality studies since then have thoroughly disproved any connection between the MMR vaccine and autism.

Wakefield's paper was fully retracted in 2010, and he lost his medical licence for professional misconduct. The controversy led to drops in vaccine rates and unnecessary outbreaks of measles and mumps, but today, medical organizations worldwide and the scientific consensus are firm: MMR is safe, effective, and does not cause autism—the original study was a damaging medical hoax.

Here is the standard BC vaccine schedule, summarized by age group and based on the most current provincial guidance:

BC Recommended Vaccine Schedule (2025)

Infants & Children

• Birth–6 years: DTaP-HB-IPV-Hib (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, polio, Hib) at 2, 4, 6, 18 months; Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) at 2, 4, 12 months; MMR and Varicella (chickenpox) at 12 months and 4–6 years; Meningococcal C at 12 months; Rotavirus at 2, 4, 6 months.

• School age (Kindergarten entry, 4–6 years): DTaP-IPV, MMRV booster; Influenza annually.
• Grade 6: HPV (now expanded and enhanced in BC for all genders, free for eligible groups); Meningococcal quadrivalent booster.

Teens

• Grade 9: Tdap booster (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis).
• Annually: Influenza.

Adults

• All adults: Influenza annually; Tdap if not given as a teen (one time in adulthood); Td booster every 10 years.

• Catch-up: MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B/A, and Meningococcal vaccines if missed in childhood or at higher risk.
• Pregnant women: Tdap in each pregnancy for infant protection.

Seniors (65+ years)

• Shingles (Shingrix): Recommended for all adults 50+, covered for some high-risk and Indigenous groups.

• Pneumococcal: Conjugate (PCV20) and/or polysaccharide (Pneu-P-23) for adults 65+.
• Influenza: Annually; RSV vaccine now available for those at increased risk.

For full details and updates, see: HealthLinkBC’s immunization schedule, BC CDC, and ImmunizeBC.

At Gravity, we support vaccines 100% and recommend the full standard schedule for every age and risk group. We do not offer routine immunizations in-clinic, but will happily refer and guide every patient to their pharmacy or public health office to stay up-to-date.

In summary: Vaccines remain our most powerful tool for keeping children, adults, and communities safe. The evidence, safety, and effectiveness are crystal clear—our clinic proudly supports the recommended schedule, and if you have questions or concerns, we're always here to advise.