Truth Shots – Busting the Myths Surrounding the Covide-19 Vaccines | Covid-19 Vaccine Myth

Since the availability of Covid-19 vaccines, there has also been many myths and misinformation spread around them.

Despite the efficacy of approved vaccines, the number of people who intend to get immunized against COVID-19 is down in many countries, making the sought-after ‘herd immunity’ more complicated to reach. “Vaccine Hesitancy” is a real thing among a large and growing group of the general public, and has been triggered by the myths surrounding the vaccines.

Here is a review of some common myths circulating about the vaccine; and our effort to clear up any remaining confusion with our aggregation of reliable truths* surrounding these myths.

Myth No. 1
The vaccine is ineffective

Truth No. 1
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe & effective. Even in the case of infection, the adverse effects are reduced.

Myth No. 2
The vaccine alters your DNA

Truth No. 2
The CDC website clearly states: “COVID-19 vaccines don’t change or interact with your DNA in any way”.

Myth No. 3
The vaccine is harmful for those with diabetes, Blood Pressure, Kidney problems & for Cancer survivors

Truth No. 3
Patients with these comorbidities should be given the vaccine on priority.

Myth No. 4
We might get COVID-19 from the vaccine

Truth No. 4
No, you can’t get COVID-19 from the vaccine because it does not contain the live virus.

Myth No. 5
Women shouldn’t get the vaccine during periods

Truth No. 5
You can get the vaccine when you are menstruating. Periods have no effect on the vaccine efficacy.

Myth No. 6
If you have contracted COVID-19 once, you don’t need the vaccine

Truth No. 6
COVID-19 reinfection is possible & it’s important to get vaccinated.

Myth No. 7
You can ditch the mask after you get vaccinated

Truth No. 7
The vaccine is just an added layer of protection & you need to wear a mask even after you get the shot.

Myth No. 8
COVID-19 vaccine will make you infertile

Truth No. 8
There exists NO scientific evidence to prove that the vaccine affects fertility in either men or women.

Myth No. 9
Pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers shouldn’t take the vaccine

Truth No. 9
Because the vaccine does not contain live virus, it doesn’t affect the baby or the placenta. However, consult a doctor before getting vaccinated.

Myth No. 10
The COVID-19 vaccine is unsafe because it was developed so quickly

Truth No. 10
The authorized vaccines are proven safe and effective. Although they were developed in record time, they have gone through the same rigorous Food and Drug Administration process as other vaccines, meeting all safety standards.

Myth No. 11
The COVID-19 vaccine includes a tracking device

Truth No. 11
A video shared thousands of times on social media 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.

Myth No. 12
The COVID-19 vaccine has severe side effects such as allergic reactions

Truth No. 12
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.

Myth No. 13
Once I receive the vaccine, I will test positive for COVID-19

Truth No. 13
Masking, handwashing and physical distancing remain necessary in public until a sufficient number of people are immune. Fully vaccinated people can meet with other fully vaccinated people without wearing masks.

Myth No. 14
I’m not at risk for severe complications of COVID-19 so I don’t need the vaccine

Truth No. 14
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.

Myth No. 15
If I receive the COVID-19 vaccine, I am at a greater risk to become sick from another illnesses

Truth No. 15
There is no evidence to suggest that getting the vaccine heightens your risk to become sick from another infection such as the flu.

Myth No. 16
Certain blood types have less severe COVID-19 infections, so getting a vaccine isn’t necessary

Truth No. 16
Research has shown there is no reason to believe being a certain blood type will lead to increased severity of COVID-19. By choosing to get vaccinated, you are protecting not only yourself and your family but your community as well.

Myth No. 17
The side effects of the vaccine are really bad

Truth No. 17
The most common side effects from this vaccine have included fatigue, muscle pains, joint pains, headaches, pain and redness at the injection site. With the mRNA vaccines, these symptoms were more common after the second dose of the vaccine and the majority of side effects were mild.

Myth No. 18
Receiving an mRNA vaccine will alter your DNA

Truth No. 18
mRNA stands for messenger ribonucleic acid and can most easily be described as instructions for how to make a protein or even just a piece of a protein. mRNA is not able to alter or modify a person’s genetic makeup or DNA. The mRNA from a COVID-19 vaccine never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA is kept. This means the mRNA does not affect or interact with our DNA in any way. Instead, COVID-19 vaccines that use mRNA work with the body’s natural defenses to safely develop protection or immunity to disease.

Myth No. 19
The flu vaccine can help protect against COVID-19

Truth No. 19
Getting a flu shot will not protect you against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These are two different vaccinations. While flu vaccines will not prevent COVID-19, they will reduce the burden of flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths on the health care system and conserve medical resources for the care of people with COVID-19.

Myth No. 20
Vaccines contain toxic ingredients

Truth No. 20
Today’s vaccines use only the ingredients they need to be as safe and effective as possible. The gelatin and egg proteins in some flu vaccines can cause allergic reactions in very rare cases. Those affected typically have a history of severe allergies to gelatin or eggs. If you have severe allergies to ingredients in vaccines or other injectable medications, tell the nurse before your COVID-19 vaccine or talk to your doctor.

Myth No. 21
Natural immunity is healthier and more effective than vaccine immunity

Truth No. 21
Vaccines allow you to build immunity without the damaging effects that vaccine-preventable diseases can have. These diseases can cause serious health problems and even be life-threatening. Even with the advances in health care, the diseases vaccines prevent can still be very serious. Vaccination is the best way to prevent them.

Myth No. 22
Vaccines can cause autism

Truth No. 22
Vaccines do not cause autism. This incorrect claim stems from a study that has been discredited. Unfortunately, this flawed study has created much misinformation. Multiple studies have shown that there is no link between receiving vaccines and developing autism.

Myth No. 23
Vaccines have microchips and are used to microchip people

Truth No. 23
This is entirely false. This is a myth that stemmed from misinformation on the internet.

We hope this article has thrown sufficient light so you can make the right decision for you and your loved ones. Stay Safe. Practice Personal Distancing. Networking can always happen using technology, so you stay in touch with those you want to be with.

Here’s what you need to observe when taking the vaccine:

• Medical experts recommend that it is essential to adopt the necessary protocol. Wearing a mask, social distancing and following COVID etiquette at the vaccination center is a must.
• Share the history of your past COVID-19 infection, if any, along with timelines and treatments taken.
• If you have medical disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney issues, and so on, do take the vaccine as soon as possible as you are a high risk group for COVID complications.
• Talk to your doctor about any rare ailments you suffer and report any severe reaction or side-effect to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.”

And the things you have to avoid:

• It is advised for those who have tested positive in the past 60-90 days and those who have received blood plasma or monoclonal antibodies as part of their treatment to avoid getting vaccinated.
• Avoid switching brands or getting multiple vaccines at one time.
• Try not to consume alcohol before and after your vaccination.
• Don’t prior medicate yourself in the hopes of trying to prevent side-effects such as fever and arm pain.

Preparing for side effects when taking your vaccine:

• Experts say that experiencing side-effects after taking the vaccine is an indication that your immune system is responding, and this should be taken as an encouraging sign.
• Common side-effects are headache, body aches, fever and pain or inflammation at the site of the injection.
• Experts also confirm that side-effects have been observed more among those in the 25-35 age bracket and seen more in females than males.
• Opt for paracetamol 650 mg to treat fever, while getting adequate rest and drinking sufficient fluids.
• Nausea occurs in a few, but it is known to wear off.
• Pain, redness or swelling at the site of injection, if any, is also known to resolve itself.
• In cases of severe swelling, experts advise applying ice compression on the affected area.

*Disclaimer: Myths and respective Truths are not recommendations of Digisol;and have been compiled from various sources.