The COVID-19 Vaccine: Myths vs. Facts

Dr. Swapnil B. Mantri (Pediatrician and Nutritionist)

Samaj Vikas Samvad

Mumbai,

Here are The COVID-19 Vaccine: Myths vs. Facts.

As doses of the COVID-19 vaccine begin to make their way around the country,

many people are excited to have this first step in managing the spread of coronavirus.

When deciding whether to get the vaccine, it’s important to separate myths from facts.

Here are the Myths vs Facts of COVID-19 vaccine.

The COVID-19 Vaccine: Myths vs. Facts

Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine is unsafe because it was developed so quickly.

Fact:

The vaccine is proven safe and effective. Although it was developed in record time,

it has gone through the same rigorous Food and Drug Administration process as every other vaccine, meeting all safety standards.

No steps were skipped.

Instead, we can thank the unprecedented worldwide collaboration and investment for the shorter timeframe on the development of the vaccine itself.

The clinical trials and safety reviews actually took about the same amount of time as other vaccines.

The COVID-19 Vaccine: The mRNA never enters the nucleus of the cell.

Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine will alter my DNA.

Fact:

The first vaccines granted emergency use authorization contain messenger RNA (mRNA),

which instructs cells to make the “spike protein” found on the new coronavirus.

When the immune system recognizes this protein,

it builds an immune response by creating antibodies — teaching the body how to protect against future infection.

The mRNA never enters the nucleus of the cell,

which is where our DNA (genetic material) is kept.

The body gets rid of the mRNA soon after it’s finished using the instructions.

The COVID-19 Vaccine: A video shared on Facebook makes false claims.

Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine includes a tracking device.

Fact:

A video shared thousands of times on Facebook makes false claims about the products of syringe maker Apiject Systems of America,

which has a contract with the government to provide medical-grade injection devices for vaccines.

The company has an optional version of its product that contains a microchip within the syringe label that helps providers confirm a vaccine dose’s origin.

The chip itself is not injected into the person getting the vaccine.

The COVID-19 Vaccine: people with a history of severe allergic reactions should not get the vaccination.

Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine has severe side effects such as allergic reactions.

Fact:

Some participants in the vaccine clinical trials did report side effects similar to those experienced with other vaccines,

including muscle pain, chills, and headache.

And although extremely rare, people can have severe allergic reactions to ingredients used in a vaccine.

That’s why experts recommend people with a history of severe allergic reactions —

such as anaphylaxis — to the ingredients of the vaccine should not get the vaccination.

Misinformation on social media suggests the vaccine trains the body to attack syncytin-1.

Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine causes infertility in women.

Fact:

Misinformation on social media suggests the vaccine trains the body to attack syncytin-1,

a protein in the placenta, which could lead to infertility in women.

The truth is, there’s an amino acid sequence shared between the spike protein and a placental protein;

however, experts say it’s too short to trigger an immune response and therefore doesn’t affect fertility.

The COVID-19 Vaccine: Early evidence suggests natural immunity may not last very long.

Myth: I’ve already been diagnosed with COVID-19, so I don’t need to receive the vaccine.

Fact:

If you have already had COVID-19, there’s evidence that you can still benefit from the vaccine.

At this time, experts don’t know how long someone is protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19.

The immunity someone gains from having an infection called natural immunity,

varies from person to person.

Some early evidence suggests natural immunity may not last very long.

The COVID-19 Vaccine: Masking, handwashing, and physical distancing remain necessary.

Myth: Once I receive the COVID-19 vaccine, I no longer need to wear a mask.

Fact:

Masking, handwashing, and physical distancing remain necessary until a sufficient number of people are immune.

The best protection we can offer each other right now is to continue to follow current guidelines.

As more people are vaccinated and experts have a better idea of how long natural and vaccine immunity lasts,

public health experts will update their guidance as necessary.

Myth: You can get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

Fact:

You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine because it doesn’t contain the live virus.

The COVID-19 Vaccine: Viral tests used to diagnose COVID-19 check samples from the respiratory system.

Myth: Once I receive the vaccine, I will test positive for COVID-19.

Fact:

Viral tests used to diagnose COVID-19 check samples from the respiratory system for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19.

Since there is no live virus in the vaccines, the vaccines will not affect your test result.

It is possible to get infected with the virus before the vaccine has had time to fully protect your body.

The COVID-19 Vaccine: It’s not only to protect you but your family and community as well.

Myth: I’m not at risk for severe complications of COVID-19 so I don’t need the vaccine.

Fact:

Regardless of your risk, you can still contract the infection and spread it to others,

so it’s important you get vaccinated. Once the vaccine is widely available,

it’s recommended that as many eligible adults as possible get the vaccine.

It’s not only to protect you but your family and community as well.

So, don’t worry and get vaccinated against COVID-19.

…

Myths vs Facts of COVID-19 vaccine.

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