If you have any concerns about these new COVID-19 vaccines, you’re not alone. Many people still wonder if these vaccines are effective and if they can receive them. There is also a lot of confusion circulated about the vaccines. With this in mind, we’re going to explain some of the common COVID-19 vaccine myths. So, you can have the truth when it’s your turn to get the vaccine.
In this article, we will give details about 13 COVID-19 vaccine myths. And also debunk these COVID-19 vaccine myths.
Here are 13 common COVID-19 vaccine myths:
1. You don’t need vaccination if you’ve already had COVID-19
The verdict is still out when it comes to how long you are protected from COVID-19. Early data show that natural immunity from COVID-19 may not last for long. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) described the data. People should receive a vaccine even though they have been treated with COVID-19.
Health authorities will keep the public aware of new updates and guidelines.
2. Once you get the coronavirus vaccine, you are immune for life
It is still unclear how long the immunity from coronavirus vaccine will last. We do not know whether it will need to be given more than once, also daily, like a flu shot.
Right now, we should think about this as maybe in the same region as a tetanus injection. You may need a booster every couple of years. If we’re lucky, that will be like measles, where once you’re immune, you’re immune to life. But it will be really lucky.
3. COVID-19 vaccines can give you COVID-19: Popular myths
Vaccines of COVID-19 cannot make a person COVID-19 positive. Regardless of the type of vaccine, neither contains a live virus. Some side effects, such as fever or chills, are due to the immune response and not to infection.
4. Development of the vaccine was rushed
Although scientists did it fast, it wasn’t rushed. The word “rushed” implies that something has been done differently from normal corners. Researchers tested tens of thousands of participants in safety and efficacy trials. In a usual vaccine trial, enough patients have to get the disease to determine whether it works. This also means waiting for a long time to come. For COVID-19, because the virus was so widespread and the disease occurred soon after infection, the studies took less time. Researchers focused on a wealth of scientific work for the development of these vaccines.
5. One vaccination (Pfizer/BioNtech or Moderna) is safer than another
All vaccines are very similar, and researchers used the same technologies. People should take whatever vaccine is present as soon as possible.
6. If you get a flu shot this year, you don’t need a coronavirus vaccine
Flu and COVID-19 share a similar list of symptoms. Two different viruses cause two different diseases. And when it comes to vaccination, it’s not either one or the other.
7. The vaccine can cause infertility
Because COVID-19 vaccines do not contain live viruses (remember, it is an mRNA vaccine), they may not cause a higher risk of infertility, first or second-trimester loss, stillbirth, or congenital anomalies. Also, there is no evidence to show that the vaccine is a risk to a breastfeeding child.
8. You do not need a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine
You require two doses of the vaccine. Because that is what the scientists studied and showed to work for immunity. We don’t know how effective or long-lasting a single-dose protection would be. The first time you are exposed to a vaccine or a foreign substance, your body produces cells that can identify the foreign substance. The second time you get exposed, you will develop stronger immunity. You find that the reaction after the second dose is even larger in magnitude and longer-lasting.
9. The vaccine will not protect against new COVID-19 variants
Not necessarily so. It’s normal for viruses to mutate. The word “variant” applies to new mutant variants of the virus. Like the situation of the United Kingdom. A variant that was in the headlines, we expect the vaccine to defend against it. The effectiveness of vaccines may decrease as more variations develop over time. That’s why it’s important to vaccinate the population and reduce transmission as soon as possible.
10. Healthcare professionals first get the vaccine because they are more important
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Policies (ACIP) defined health care professionals (HCP) as the first group to obtain the vaccine, as well as patients of long-term health care facilities. It is also referred to as Step 1A.
Health care staff at U Health who work on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic are most at risk of exposure to the virus. Prioritizing this community means that U health care services can continue their work.
11. Older people in poor health should not receive a vaccine
A vaccine is much more important for older adults. This group is at greater risk of hospitalization, virus complications, and even death. Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech trials (approximately 10,000 individuals between the ages of 65 and 90) found that the vaccines were safe and effective in this age group.
A COVID-19 vaccination will reduce your risk of becoming ill. It may also be possible to contract COVID-19 after receiving the vaccine. But research shows that the vaccine may protect you from being severely ill if you get infected. Having the vaccine can also help protect those around you.
12. COVID-19 vaccinations can make you sick
COVID-19 vaccinations cannot get you sick with COVID-19. But, it is also possible to get the virus after the vaccine’s first dose. Because the second dose of the vaccine strengthens the immune system, the patient is most likely to experience adverse effects. Some signs include pain at the injection site, muscle aches, chills, and fever. You should treat these side effects with over-the-counter medications.
13. After the vaccination, you can ditch the mask
Two weeks after the second dose, 95% protection from disease occurs. We don’t have any clear evidence at this point that the vaccination saves you from being infected or prevents you from infecting anyone. Until we get more data, immunized people should continue to take steps as they usually take:
- Wear a mask
- Take a physical distance
- Wash their hands daily
The CDC and other public health organizations will update their recommendations now.
