What Do You Know About The COVID-19 Vaccine Facts And Myths?

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people in various aspects of life. Due to this, a comprehensive study has been done to curb the spread of this pandemic which includes the development of vaccines for this particular virus. Various pharmaceutical companies from all over the world have shown promising results in regards to their development of a vaccine.

However, since the announcement of the study and production of the COVID-19 vaccine, there have been many rumors circulating that question the efficacy and even safety of the vaccine. This is attributed to its rapid production among other reasons, and the suspicions have influenced select groups towards reluctance over the vaccine. The following article will uncover the truth and expose the myths behind the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Myth 1: The Rapid Production Of This Vaccine Make It Unsafe

Because of the short production time of the COVID-19 vaccine, it has made certain people suspicious of its effectiveness and safety.

Fact:

The rapid production of the COVID-19 vaccine is due to several factors which includes:

• Contributions from various organizations and individuals or companies to support scientists and pharmaceutical companies in the development of this vaccine. This large investment allows a lot of research being done at the same time as well as allowing them to use more advanced equipment to assist the research. 

• The vaccine study was built on the foundation of previous vaccine studies which has allowed faster production. Scientists were also open to sharing their knowledge and expertise in the field which allowed for more extensive research into the disease. 

The vaccine has also undergone a strict evaluation by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) as well meets the standards set by the FDA. This protocol is a must for every vaccine and medication before they can be given to the population as a treatment to ensure that it is safe for use. 

Myth 2: The Vaccine Can Alter The Human’s DNA

The COVID-19 vaccine being able alter the human DNA is one of the prevailing myths around the injection, but is it actually true?

Fact:

There is one type of vaccine produced for COVId-19 contains messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) where the mRNA of the COVID-19 vaccine serves to instruct our body cells to make and build proteins in response to the vaccine that resembles a real disease. This will cause our body to have immunity to the COVID-19 virus. 

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), mRNA will not enter the nucleus of our cells where DNA is stored and it will not interact with DNA and will not directly alter anything in any form or way. Furthermore, the mRNA produced in response to the vaccine will be destroyed by immune cells which in turn will build antibodies specific to the virus.

Myth 3: COVID-19 Vaccine Contain Microchips

Some people believe that COVID-19 vaccine contains microchips or detectors. This is one of the hotly debated myths on the internet because they think this vaccine has an ability to track the whereabouts of an individual and monitor whatever they are doing. However, this is very unlikely to happen.

Fact 3: 

The spread of this myth surfaced after Bill Gates mentioned implementing digital certificates as vaccine records. His idea was misinterpreted as he was talking about a totally different technology. Therefore, you do not have to worry because no chip will be inserted directly into the body of the individual receiving the vaccine. In addition, neither nano or microtechnology has reached the capability required to create devices or detectors that are so delicate to be injected with the vaccine into the human body.

Myth 4: Those Who Are Infected With COVID-19 Do Not Need The Vaccine
Many people believe that once they get infected with COVID-19 and recover, they would already have the antibodies against the virus, hence there’s no need for them to get the vaccine. Well, do they?

Fact:

The vaccine can boost your body's immune system to fight the virus if you are exposed to the virus again in the future. The immunity someone gains from the previous infection will be reduced over time, so getting an injection can help boost the immunity level. Vaccination is strongly encouraged for those who have been infected to curb this infection in our society and in turn protect you and your beloved.

Myth 5: The Vaccine Causes Infertility

People have been circulating this rumor in social media sites and the internet saying that the COVID-19 vaccine will attack one of the proteins that make up the placenta and cause infertility.

Fact:

Some say that the spike proteins in the corona virus resemble the proteins that made up the placenta. However, experts said that this is not true and the spike proteins on this corona virus do not have any resemblance to the proteins in the placenta that will cause immune response in the said tissue or cause infertility. 

Myth 6: COVID-19 Vaccine Is Harmful

Many believe that COVID-19 vaccine has major adverse side effects such as life-threatening allergic reactions.

Fact:

Like every other drug, the vaccine has its own side effects. Based on data from the clinical trial, some individuals will experience common side effects of vaccination such as fever, pain at the injection site and body weakness. Although rare, there are some individuals who can have severe side effects such as an life threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and this is highly likely because the person has allergies to some of the ingredients in the vaccine. Therefore individuals who are allergic to any ingredient used in this vaccine are advised not to get the injection. Please discuss with your doctor regarding your allergies and the safety before taking any vaccination or medication.

Myth 7: I Don’t Need To Wear A Face Mask & Practicing Physical Distancing Once I Get The Vaccine

People believe that upon receiving the vaccine that they will no longer be required to wear a face mask and practice social distancing, but how true is this?

Fact:

Even if you have received the vaccine, you are strongly encouraged to continue practicing the new norms such as wearing face masks, keeping your hands clean, and maintaining social distancing. This is because of the following reasons:

• There are still individuals who have not received the vaccine, especially in this early stages of this vaccine distribution.

• There are individuals who cannot receive the vaccine because they are allergic to the substance or have other health problems.

• Individuals with weakened immune systems cannot receive this vaccine and depend on those around them to prevent themselves from being infected with COVID-19

Finally, this COVID-19 vaccine has many advantages over its disadvantages and it is very important for people to realize this pandemic has not yet shown signs that it will subside in the near future. As such, vaccines are one of the ways to prevent these viruses and diseases from spreading. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) will import the COVID-19 vaccine by the end of February and it is hoped that it can bring new light in curbing the epidemic from spreading and protect Malaysians from the deadly disease.