There is a lot of misinformation still circulating about the COVID-19 vaccine, and it can be hard to know what's true and what's not. We breakdown some common misconceptions below.
Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine is unsafe because it was developed so quickly.
Fact: 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. No steps were skipped.
Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine causes infertility in women.
Fact: Misinformation suggests that the vaccine trains the body to attack a protein in the placenta, which could lead to infertility in women. This claim is completely false. Experts in the field have closely studied this issue, and see no reason that the vaccine would act in this way.
Myth: You can get COVID-19 from the vaccine.
Fact: You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine because it doesn’t contain the live virus.
Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine includes a tracking device.
Fact: A viral video on Facebook 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: Receiving vaccine will alter your DNA.
Fact: The COVID-19 vaccine has mRNA in it and is not able to change a person’s genetic makeup (DNA). The vaccine never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA is kept. This means the vaccine does not affect or interact with our DNA in any way.
Myth: Natural immunity is healthier and more effective than vaccine immunity.
Fact: The protection someone gains from having an infection (called natural immunity) varies depending on the disease, and it varies from person to person. Since this virus is new, we don’t know how long natural immunity might last. Vaccines allow you to build immunity without the damaging effects that vaccine-preventable diseases can have.
Myth: Once I receive the vaccine, I will test positive for COVID-19.
Fact: Viral tests used to diagnose COVID-19 check samples from the respiratory system for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19. Since there is no live virus in the vaccines, the vaccines will not affect your test result.
Myth: If I receive the COVID-19 vaccine, I am at a greater risk to become sick from another illness.
Fact: There is no evidence to suggest that getting the vaccine heightens your risk to become sick from another infection such as the flu.
Myth: I’m not at risk for severe complications of COVID-19 so I don’t need the vaccine.
Fact: 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: The flu vaccine can help protect against COVID-19.
Fact: Getting a flu shot will not protect you against coronavirus. These are two different vaccinations. But the flu shot can prevent you from getting influenza at the same time as COVID-19. This can keep you from getting a more severe illness.
Our information was gathered from the sources below. Take a look if you're interested in reading more.
CDC Myths and Facts
Hopkins Medicine Fact vs Myth
MU Healthcare Myths vs Facts
City and County of San Francisco Myth vs Fact
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