Myth vs. Fact: COVID-19 Vaccines

We’re Busting Myths and Revealing Facts About COVID-19 Vaccines!

Read on decipher misconceptions surrounding COVID-19 vaccines from the facts. Having accurate information about COVID-19 vaccines is critical to making informed decisions about your health: your most valuable asset!

With the abundance of information surrounding COVID-19, it can be challenging to decipher what information is accurate, reliable and trustworthy. There are many misconceptions and inaccuracies surrounding not only the virus but also the vaccines available to guard us against contracting the virus. Read on to learn the myths vs. facts regarding the approved vaccines.

Myth: The COVID-19 vaccines were created too quickly without going through the typical protocols and safety measures that other types of vaccines do.

Fact: The approved COVID-19 vaccines went through rigorous testing, including clinical trials with tens of thousands of participants. Typically, it takes years and billions of dollars to have a vaccine go from concept to approval. However, pharmaceutical companies and federal government collaborated with the Operation Warp Speed initiative. This accelerated the process, allowing for expedited funding that often slows the timeline; thorough testing for safety and effectiveness; and the development and rapid distribution of supplies – quicker than any other vaccine in the past.

Myth: You don’t need to get a vaccine if you’ve already been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Fact: Since individuals can get infected more than once with COVID-19, it is advised that you still get a vaccine. In addition, it is not yet completely understood how long you are protected from the virus after you have recovered from it, so the vaccine provides another layer of protection. Some infectious disease experts recommend waiting two months post-recovery before getting the vaccine to prevent stronger reactions. Once your body has recovered from the virus, the next time it encounters it (or spike proteins from the vaccine found on the virus) can trigger a quick and robust immune response.

Myth: After getting a vaccine, you will test positive on a COVID-19 test.

Fact: None of the authorized vaccines in the U.S. will cause you to have a positive COVID-19 test result.

Myth: A COVID-19 vaccine will alter your DNA.

Fact: None of the approved COVID-19 vaccines will change or interact with your DNA in any way.

Myth: It is not safe for you to get a COVID-19 vaccine if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.

Fact: People who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant may receive the vaccine. Current studies show no evidence of the antibodies formed from the vaccine causing any complications with pregnancy or fertility.

Myth: The technology behind the COVID-19 vaccines is brand new.

Fact: Researchers have worked with and studied mRNA technology (e.g., Moderna and Pfizer vaccines) as well as vector-based vaccines (e.g., Johnson & Johnson) for years.

Sources:

“Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines,” cdc.gov, accessed March 9, 2021.

“COVID-19 Vaccines: Myth Versus Fact,” hopkinsmedicine.org, accessed March 9, 2021.

“How were researchers able to develop COVID-19 vaccines so quickly,” news.uchicago.edu, accessed March 9, 2021.