Covid-19 Vaccines – Myths vs Facts
There are some really weird myths relating to Covid and the vaccines that have been approved for widespread use
The alarming amount of misinformation, disinformation, distortion of facts and sheer nonsense has meant that with the arrival of the vaccine in South Africa, it is imperative that we set the record straight regarding some issues. It is impossible to address all the misleading statements that appear regularly, but here we will attempt to look at six of the most common ‘false news’ topics doing the rounds.
According to the CDC in the USA:
MYTH 1: COVID 19 COULD ALTER YOUR DNA
FACT: Because the vaccine has NO access to your cell nuclei where DNA could be affected, there is no possibility that this would occur.
MYTH 2: THE VACCINE IS NOT SAFE BECAUSE OF THE QUICK ROLLOUT
FACT: Based on similar vaccines that were developed previously and that had a proven safety record, and because advancing technology has allowed research to speed up, all safety standards were addressed and met without unnecessary shortcuts.
MYTH 3: PEOPLE WITH FOOD ALLERGIES OR WHO ARE PREGNANT SHOULD NOT GET THE VACCINE
FACT: There is no link with food allergies as the vaccine is not food based.
According to the CDC and American College of Gynaecologists, it appears that there is no problem with the vaccine for those who are pregnant. However, the WHO advises against use, preferring an individual consultation with your doctor.
The current guidelines state:
- The mRNA vaccines do not contain any virus particles.
- Within hours or days our bodies eliminate mRNA particles used in the vaccine, so these particles are unlikely to reach or cross the placenta.
- The immunity that a pregnant individual generates from vaccination can cross the placenta, and may help to keep the baby safe after birth.
MYTH 4: YOU WILL GET COVID FROM THE VACCINE
FACT: The opposite is true. The vaccine protects you from the virus.
MYTH 5: IF YOU HAVE HAD COVID-19 BEFORE, YOU DON’T NEED THE VACCINE
FACT: Yet another no! Because viruses mutate, and because we have not had the time as yet to determine how long immunity will be conferred, and also because we know of individuals who have been infected by Covid more than once, even if you have had a Covid infection, you should be vaccinated to protect you in the future.
MYTH 6: THERE’S NO NEED FOR MASKING, SANITISING, OR SOCIAL DISTANCING AFTER GETTING THE VACCINE
FACT: Again, it is essential that even after you have the vaccine you must still take ALL the precautions to help end the pandemic and to protect yourself as well as those around you.
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