Many countries are currently witnessing a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, while others are experiencing a decline. This fluctuation is largely attributed to COVID-19 vaccines and preventive measures. Unfortunately, a lot of misinformation and myths are circulating about the approved vaccines, which can deter people from getting vaccinated. Unless we address these myths and choose to get vaccinated, the end of this pandemic seems far off. To help make an informed choice, let's explore some of the myths that you should be cautious about.
Myth #1
1) If I Am Already Infected, I Do Not Need to Get Vaccinated
Even if you've previously been infected with COVID-19, getting vaccinated can still offer significant benefits. Research indicates that while natural infection does confer some level of immunity, it may not be long-lasting or robust enough to prevent reinfection. In fact, studies suggest that vaccination can enhance the immune response, providing stronger protection compared to natural immunity alone[1]. Therefore, it's advisable to get vaccinated regardless of past infections.
Myth #2
2) COVID-19 Vaccines Are Not Safe as They Were Developed in a Hurry
No vaccine is ever 100% effective. The primary goal of vaccines is to reduce the severity of the disease and curb its spread. Studies have consistently shown that there are no severe or life-threatening side effects linked to the COVID-19 vaccines[2]. These vaccines were developed using rigorous methods similar to those used for traditional vaccines throughout the years, ensuring their safety and efficacy.
Myth #3
3) I Am Free From Wearing a Mask After Getting Vaccinated
While vaccines significantly protect against severe illness, they do not completely prevent the virus from entering your body. After vaccination, there remains a possibility of infection, which could lead to transmission to unvaccinated individuals. Therefore, it is crucial to continue wearing masks, maintaining a distance of six feet, and practicing frequent hand hygiene until a larger portion of the population is vaccinated[3].
Myth #4
4) COVID-19 Vaccines Result in Active Infection
The COVID-19 vaccine cannot give you the virus as it does not contain the live SARS-CoV-2 virus. Instead, the vaccine mimics the virus and teaches your body to create antibodies that can effectively fight off future infections. This method of building immunity is far safer than contracting the virus itself, which can lead to severe health complications[2].
Myth #5
5) COVID-19 Vaccines Can Cause Life-Threatening Side Effects
Common side effects may include soreness at the injection site or a mild fever, akin to what you might expect from any other vaccine. Serious side effects are exceedingly rare and are not supported by substantial evidence. In fact, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, and monitoring systems are in place to ensure ongoing safety assessments[1].
Myth #6
6) COVID-19 Vaccines Alter Your DNA
The instructions delivered by the vaccines work to build immunity against the virus, but they do not enter the cell's nucleus where our DNA is located. Consequently, vaccines cannot change or affect our DNA in any way, and this misinformation can lead to unnecessary fear regarding vaccination[2].
So, unless the information comes from verified government sources, don't give credence to these myths. Get vaccinated and help break the chain of transmission.
Important Note: The content provided here is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
References:
- Jianwu Li, Na Jiang, Qing-Lei Zeng, Yue Zhang, Xinyuan He, Yao Chu, Wenni Jin, Yi Liu, Wan Shi, Miao Yang, Weihan He, Qing Han, Le Ma, You Xu, Yaling Guo, Lei Zhang, Fanpu Ji. The Epidemiological, Clinical Features and Outcomes of Imported Chinese COVID-19 Patients Following Inactivated Vaccines Injection.. PubMed. 2022.
- Yufei Wu, Ping Huang, Mingjie Xu, Qianqian Zhao, Yihui Xu, Shuyi Han, Huanjie Li, Yunshan Wang. Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in healthy adults.. PubMed. 2023.
- Fabiola Moreno Echevarria, Mathew Caputo, Daniel Camp, Susheel Reddy, Chad J Achenbach. Incidence and risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection in the early Omicron variant era among vaccinated and boosted individuals in Chicago.. PubMed. 2024.
- Fayette Klaassen, Melanie H Chitwood, Ted Cohen, Virginia E Pitzer, Marcus Russi, Nicole A Swartwood, Joshua A Salomon, Nicolas A Menzies. Population Immunity to Pre-Omicron and Omicron Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Variants in US States and Counties Through 1 December 2021.. PubMed. 2023.
- Naomi C Brownstein, Harika Reddy, Junmin Whiting, Monica L Kasting, Katharine J Head, Susan T Vadaparampil, Anna R Giuliano, Clement K Gwede, Cathy D Meade, Shannon M Christy. COVID-19 vaccine behaviors and intentions among a national sample of United States adults ages 18-45.. PubMed. 2022.