by Sarah Amaladoss
In the rapidly changing world we find ourselves in, many have developed a hesitancy towards the Covid-19 vaccine. Destined Doctors recognizes the rampancy of medical misinformation nowadays, so we’ve compiled a list of 6 claims about Covid-19 vaccinations and have either verified or debunked them for you.
Claim: The vaccine was rushed.
Fact or Fiction: Fiction
Due to the expedient nature of the vaccines’ development, many have a sense of hesitancy regarding the validity of the vaccine. Despite how fast the vaccines were produced, they remain both effective and safe to use. In an unprecedented pandemic, global cooperation prevailed which resulted in worldwide collaboration between researchers, scientists, and health agencies. The ability to develop the vaccine at such a rapid pace was a direct result of this global cooperation. Since Covid-19 is merely a specific strain of the Coronavirus, data regarding it already exists, making research and vaccine development for scientists much easier and more efficient. The SARS epidemic of 2002 already gave much familiarity to researchers, allowing them to link their knowledge of coronaviruses and create the vaccine much quicker as they were not starting from scratch. A large role in the development of the Covid-19 vaccine stemmed from the immense funding worldwide towards such development projects. Typically, the duration of time needed to create a vaccine depends on its complexity as well as the amount of funding it receives. Due to the unparalleled nature of the Covid-19 pandemic, governments globally provided funding going towards these vaccines in an effort to expedite the process. Collectively, all of these measures have allowed us to greatly shorten the duration of creating the Covid-19 vaccine whilst ensuring its high efficacy.
Claim: If I am vaccinated I don’t have to wear a mask.
Fact or Fiction: Fact
The CDC has revised safety guidelines to state that masks are no longer required for those who are fully vaccinated. However, federal, state, and local laws regarding masks still apply.
Claim: The vaccine changes DNA.
Fact or Fiction: Fiction
The Covid-19 vaccine cannot alter DNA. The Pfizer vaccine specifically uses a fragment of Messenger RNA (mRNA) to instruct your immune system to protect you against Covid-19. mRNA is quickly broken down in the body and cannot enter the nucleus, where Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is stored. Because of this, the mRNA cannot affect, combine, or alter DNA in any way to change the genetic code. The mRNA fragments in the vaccine instead teach the cells how to make a specific protein that triggers an immune response to the virus. As a result, the immune system will become familiar with the virus and develop antibodies.
Claim: The side effects are dangerous.
Fact or Fiction: Fiction
As with any other vaccine, there are possible side effects. However, the vast majority of these effects are short term and usually will go away within a matter of days. These possible side effects include: tenderness at the injection site, body aches, fever, and headaches. They are signs that the vaccine is working to stimulate your immune system and help you produce the necessary Covid-19 antibodies.
Claim: I do not need the vaccine because I am young and healthy.
Fact or Fiction: Fiction
Regardless of risk and age, it is still possible to contract the virus and infect others. It is recommended that as many people get the vaccine as possible in order to develop herd immunity and protect the most vulnerable members of the community. Getting the vaccine is not only beneficial for one’s own health, but for the health of the community at large.
Claim: If I receive the vaccine, I will test positive for Covid-19.
Fact or Fiction: Fiction
As there is no living virus in the vaccine, it will not affect your test results. Covid-19 tests rely on detecting Covid-19 genetic material drawn from the respiratory system, therefore the test will not detect any Covid-19 genetic material from the vaccine. However, it is possible to contract and test positive for Covid-19 before the vaccine has had time to work and help you develop immunity.
Bibliography:
Muhealth.org. n.d. The COVID-19 Vaccine: Myths Versus Facts. [online] Available at: <https://www.muhealth.org/our-stories/covid-19-vaccine-myths-vs-facts> [Accessed 7 July 2021].
Maragakis, L. and Kelen, G., 2021. COVID-19 Vaccines: Myth Versus Fact. [online] Johns Hopkins Medicine. Available at: <https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines-myth-versus-fact> [Accessed 7 July 2021].
Australian Government Department of Health. 2021. Is it true? Can COVID-19 vaccines alter my DNA?. [online] Available at: <https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/is-it-true/is-it-true-can-covid-19-vaccines-alter-my-dna> [Accessed 7 July 2021].
Medicalnewstoday.com. 2021. COVID-19 vaccine: How was it developed so fast?. [online] Available at: <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-did-we-develop-a-covid-19-vaccine-so-quickly#Funding-for-COVID-19-vaccine-research> [Accessed 7 July 2021].