Myths And Facts About Covid-19 Vaccines

By in Internal Medicine

Apr 16, 2021

It can be very difficult to know which sources of information you can trust when there is so many information available over the internet. Before considering vaccine information on the Internet, check that the information comes from a credible source and is updated on a regular basis.

Myth 1. Can a COVID-19 vaccine make me sick with COVID-19?

Fact: No.

Vaccines are a critical tool in the battle against COVID-19, and getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. None of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. This means that a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.

How does the vaccine work?

Vaccines trains our immune system to recognize the targeted virus and create antibodies to fight off the disease without getting the disease itself. After vaccination, the body is ready to fight the virus if it is later exposed to it, thereby preventing illness.

People who have already been infected with SARS-CoV-2 should still get vaccinated unless told otherwise by their health care provider. Even if you’ve had a previous infection, the vaccine acts as a booster that strengthens the immune response.There have also been some instances of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 a second time, which makes getting vaccinated even more important.

Myth 2: There is no need for mask wearing and social distancing after receiving COVID-19 vaccination.

Fact: Everyone must remain cautious and continue to wear masks, practice social distancing and observe enhanced hygiene routines.
While vaccines are effective, they do not stop every case of COVID-19 infection and transmission, so these precautionary measures continue to be important.

Myth 3: The vaccine will alter my DNA.

Fact: The COVID-19 vaccine does not alter DNA.
Two of the first COVID-19 vaccines approved for emergency use are “mRNA” vaccines (messenger RNA). Upon injection, mRNA vaccine will instruct the cells in your body to produce the viral protein that triggers an immune response against COVID-19 virus. mRNA does not insert itself into your DNA, thus it does not alter your gene DNA (it cannot be transmitted to the next generation). The mRNA vaccine will naturally degrade & be eliminated from your body within 48-72 hours.

Myth4.After Getting A COVID-19 Vaccine, Will I Test Positive For COVID-19 On A Viral Test?

Fact: No. None of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection.​ Neither can any of the COVID-19 vaccines currently in clinical trials in the United States.​
If your body develops an immune response to vaccination, which is the goal, you may test positive on some antibody tests. Antibody tests indicate you had a previous infection and that you may have some level of protection against the virus. Experts are currently looking at how COVID-19 vaccination may affect antibody testing results.