Vaccine misinformation spreads rapidly online and influences patients’ decisions, reducing vaccination rates, and increasing the risk of preventable disease outbreaks.¹

Research consistently shows that the strongest influencing factor for vaccine acceptance is a strong recommendation from a health care provider, highlighting the critical role you play in countering misinformation and guiding patients towards evidence-based decisions.²

Common myths and facts

1. Myth: Natural immunity is better than vaccine-induced immunity.
   Fact: Natural infections can lead to severe complications, hospitalization, or death. Vaccines provide safe, effective protection without those risks.^{1, 3, 4}
2. Myth: Vaccines contain harmful toxins.
   Fact: Vaccine ingredients are carefully tested and monitored for safety. Trace components like preservatives are present in amounts far below harmful levels and are found naturally in the body, food, and our environment.^{1, 2, 3, 4}
3. Myth: Vaccines overload the immune system.
   Fact: The immune system handles countless antigens daily. Vaccines introduce only a tiny fraction compared to what the body encounters naturally.⁴
4. Myth: Vaccines are rushed and unsafe.
   Fact: Vaccines undergo rigorous testing in clinical trials and continuous safety monitoring after approval. Emergency authorizations still require strict safety standards.^{2, 5}
5. Myth: Vaccines cause dangerous side effects.
   Fact: Most people have no side effects. If they do, they’re usually mild soreness, swelling, redness at the injection site, or a low-grade fever.⁶

For more responses to vaccine myths, view or download this flyer.

Effective communication strategies

Research shows that acknowledging concerns without judgment and using techniques like motivational interviewing can improve vaccine confidence.² For additional strategies and resources pertaining to specific vaccinations, please read the articles below.

• Routine immunizations
• Flu
• Human papillomavirus
• Hepatitis B

Cigna Healthcare^® vaccine coverage remains the same

Following a thorough review of recent federal policy announcements, Cigna Healthcare will continue to cover all 17 vaccines included in the updated U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) childhood immunization schedule as preventive services under our medical plans.

To learn more, read the Provider Newsroom article.

Additional information

For more information, refer to the following resources:

• Cigna Healthcare Preventive Care Services Coverage Policy (A004).
• CDC Vaccine schedules for children, birth through 18 years old. 
• CDC Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule for ages 19 years or older (2025).

1. Top Ten Anti-Vaccine Myths Debunked, Again | History of Vaccines
2. Strategies for Improving Vaccine Communication and Uptake | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
3. Vaccines: The Myths and the Facts | AAAAI
4. Debunking Immunization Myths – PAHO/WHO | Pan American Health Organization
5. Vaccine Safety | HHS.gov
6. Provider’s Role: Importance of Vaccine Administration and Vaccine Storage & Handling | Vaccines & Immunizations | CDC