COVID-19 vaccine misconceptions

TRUTH: The vaccines from Pfizer and Modern use mRNA technology, and although it’s a newer technology, it’s been in development and testing for more than a decade. And once the genetic information of the coronavirus was discovered by Chinese scientists, it was immediately shared so vaccine development could begin. Vaccines were tested, trialed and deemed safe and effective before being granted emergency use by the FDA in December.

TRUTH: While some vaccines for certain viruses contain that specific virus in a dead or weakened state in order to elicit an immune response, the leading COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer and Modern) use mRNA technology, which does not contain the virus nor does it cause infection.

TRUTH: The pharmaceutical companies that developed, tested and introduced vaccines to the population have published the ingredients. Many unfounded conspiracy theories are circulating online about vaccines containing nefarious substances, yet none have any basis in fact.

TRUTH: mRNA does not integrate with the body’s DNA. The mRNA vaccines cause the body’s cells to create the spike proteins used by the coronavirus to infect healthy cells (only the spike proteins, not the coronavirus itself) to create an immune response. This trains the body on how to defend against the coronavirus should someone become exposed to it.

TRUTH: Much like other vaccines currently in use, COVID-19 vaccines can potentially cause side effects, though the vast majority of those side effects are not dangerous and they’re short-term. Allergic reactions have been reported, but those occurrences are extremely rare. Talk to your physician about any concerns you may have.

TRUTH: Patients who’ve recovered from COVID-19 do have natural immunity, but it has not yet been determined how long that natural immunity lasts. Many cases of re-infection have also been reported — people getting COVID-19 more than once. Medical experts say it’s still advisable to get vaccinated if you’ve had COVID-19 and have recovered.

TRUTH: While the vaccine has been shown to be effective against infection and becoming sick from the coronavirus, it is still undetermined if a vaccinated individual who was exposed to COVID-19 can spread it to another, possibly unvaccinated person, who could then potentially become sick. Because of this, medical professionals advise everyone to continue the mitigation strategies of wearing a mask, socially distancing and avoiding large gatherings.