10 Covid Vaccine Myths Debunked
Being the trailblazer to vaccinations against COVID, the Pfizer vaccine has instilled both hope and inspiration for future vaccines. This of course, does not come without a price — since its release to the public in mid-December, there is still a large margin of distrust in the validity of the vaccine.
Gallup polling conducted a survey on Americans who would be willing to vaccinate, this number is currently sitting at 58% and out of the ideal range (about 80%) needed to get a handle on the virus. Myths and misconceptions about the vaccine are largely the reason for this low percentage of people willing to get vaccinated. Here are 10 myths about the COVID vaccine:
1. The vaccine was not studied enough due to its rapid release
While understandable to have this mindset, the speed at which the vaccine was released does not lessen the effort and detail taken to make sure it could safely be released to the public. With more than 20,000 participants, it meets the median number of participants seen in non-COVID vaccine studies. The main factor in regards to the timeliness was thanks to manufacturing and testing being done in conjunction — not due to cutting corners for a quicker release.
2. I already had COVID, so I don’t need the vaccine because I have natural immunity
Generally, this is correct, but COVID may be an exception to this rule as it does not appear that having COVID gives you lifelong immunity. Due to this, previously contracting COVID is not a contraindication to getting the vaccine; it is still suggested that during the early stages of vaccine distribution, if you’ve had COVID to wait for others to get vaccinated before you.
3. The vaccine will give me COVID
There is no chance of getting COVID from the vaccine. The COVID vaccine does not contain a live virus and has no strains of COVID in it.
4. The vaccine will alter my DNA
Because it is known as a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine, many may think this, however mRNA has no way of altering or interacting with your DNA. The vaccine contains a piece of mRNA that codes for proteins to be made that will provide immunity if a virus is encountered to create an immune response.
5. The vaccine has a microchip
Plainly, this is untrue — there is no microchip in the vaccine.
6. The vaccine will make me more susceptible to illness
There is no evidence in testing or in biology that makes this true.
7. If everyone around me gets the vaccine, I am protected due to herd immunity
Herd immunity works when at least 80% of a population is vaccinated and can take up to 18 months to take effect. Currently, 3,000 people are dying a day due to COVID; relying on herd immunity is not the best way during the early stages of vaccine distribution. There is also the immunosuppressed and immunocompromised community to take into consideration, the terminally ill and children are included in this category, who have increased vulnerability and will need as many people vaccinated to be protected.
8. I got the flu shot so it protects me from COVID
The flu shot does not provide any protection against COVID. Alternatively, the COVID vaccine does not provide protection from the flu.
9. COVID vaccine is not recommended for those with severe allergies
Those with severe allergies should consult their physician before getting vaccinated and those who have a history of anaphylaxis should be monitored for 30 minutes after receiving the vaccine for any reaction. It is best to keep in mind that all vaccines can cause reactions — even if it is rare, such as with the COVID vaccine. More clarity will come as data does over time.
10. The vaccine is mandatory
There are no plans to make getting the COVID vaccine mandatory.
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Reference:https://thewell.northwell.edu/covid/vaccine-myths-debunked
