The COVID-19 vaccine was introduced to the public nearly two years ago. To this day, there are still some misconceptions about the vaccine. Let’s break down some myths and facts about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Myth #1: I am healthy, I don’t need the COVID-19 vaccine.
Fact #1: COVID-19 infection can cause significant health issues in even young and otherwise healthy individuals.
Infection can cause long-term health issues regardless of health status. It is also important to get vaccinated to protect those in your community who are more prone to infections, such as infants, the immunocompromised, and the elderly.
Myth #2: The COVID-19 vaccine will change my DNA.
Fact #2: The mRNA vaccine cannot alter your DNA.
Your DNA is safely protected in the nucleus. mRNA that is released only trains your body to fight against actual COVID-19 infection. mRNA disintegrates and will not cause any long-term changes, whereas actual COVID-19 infection can cause long-term health issues.
Myth #3: The COVID-19 vaccine was rushed.
Fact #3: The COVID-19 vaccine went through the same rigorous testing steps as every other vaccine.
While it seems like everything happened quickly, the development of mRNA vaccine technology has existed for decades. The vaccine went through all the safety points and trials. In fact, millions have received the COVID-19 vaccines under the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history.
Myth #4: I will become infertile if I receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Fact #4: COVID-19 vaccination does not impact fertility.
Many individuals have become pregnant after receiving the vaccine. This myth was spread under misunderstanding of the mechanism of the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine will not affect the reproductive organs.
Myth #5: I shouldn’t receive the COVID-19 vaccine while I’m pregnant.
Fact #5: The COVID-19 vaccine is safe to receive during any trimester of pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), as well as many other pregnancy associations recommends that all pregnant individuals receive the vaccine as COVID-19 infection during pregnancy poses significant risk to the pregnant individual and to the fetus.
Myth #6: I already got COVID-19, so I don’t need the vaccine.
Fact #6: Natural immunity can help protect against COVID-19 infection, but we are not sure how long natural immunity lasts and how it varies between individuals at this time. COVID-19 reinfection poses the same risks, so it is important to get vaccinated and take other precautions to prevent reinfection.
Myth #7: I won’t need to take other precautions such as wearing masks after I get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Fact #7: Vaccination in tandem with other precautions such as wearing masks, washing hands, and social distancing helps prevents COVID-19 infection. There aren’t enough studies to provide how much protection vaccination alone provides, though vaccination alone will likely not prevent COVID-19 infection.
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and will protect you and others.
The vaccine is available for ages 6 months and up, boosters are also available for eligible groups.