Debunking COVID vaccine myths
Since the onset of the novel coronavirus, scientists and medical professionals have been working tirelessly to develop vaccines and different treatments against the same. While COVID vaccines were developed in no time, doubts over its efficacy have continued to cloud the minds of the people. On the one hand, millions have received their vaccine jabs, whereas on the other hand, many more are struggling to book a slot or are hesitant to get their shot.
While vaccine shortage is something that can only be tackled on the government front, vaccine hesitancy is all about the mind. Many myths and misconceptions around COVID vaccines have been circulating since it's launch and continue to prevent people from taking their vaccine shots. That said, here are some mistruths that need to be busted and avoided.
Myth 1: Coronavirus vaccine side-effects are fatal
As is known, COVID vaccines are a mimicry of the actual virus that activates immune responses in the body. In the process, a person may experience some harmless side-effects like a low grade fever, fatigue, joint pain and muscle ache or may have no symptoms at all. That said, there is no threat posed to life. All you need to do is rest well, stay hydrated and do not exert yourself.
Myth 2: COVID vaccines can cause infertility
Many people have remained hesitant about taking their COVID shot for the fear of becoming infertile. Many social media posts took to spreading false rumours about how COVID-19 vaccine - due to its resemblance to the proteins present in the body - could pose a grievous threat to a person's fertility. This, according to experts, is a false claim. Vaccines in no way affect a person's fertility and have no association with that part of the body. That said, it cannot cause any problems of fertility in men and in women.
Myth 3: If you were already infected with COVID-19, you don’t need the vaccine
Refraining for COVID vaccines at least three months after recovery is recommended by many health experts. However, once you have fully recovered from COVID-19 infections, you can surely get yourself vaccinated against the virus. This will minimize any risk of contracting the virus twice.
Myth 4: The vaccine trials were rushed, so it isn't safe and won't be effective
The novel coronavirus impacted the world's population in no time and therefore, the need for a vaccine is dire. Many medical professionals, pharma giants and scientists came together to develop an effective vaccine against COVID-19. While the vaccines can have some adverse reactions on certain people, with millions having received their jabs already, it is only evident that the COVID vaccines are safe for everyone to take.
Breakthrough infections have been reported in the recent past. However, experts believe that the COVID vaccines have the ability to curb the risk of severe infection and hospitalization.
Myth 5: Menstruating women should not take their COVID shot
Amid the pandemic, vaccines have become the need of the hour and people should not think twice before getting them. However, false rumours have been circulating on different social media platforms, affecting the general public, especially women.
Recently, there has been a lot of confusion around whether women should or should not take their COVID vaccines during their periods. According to health experts and gynaecologists, there is no harm in taking your vaccine jab while menstruating. Although some women may experience lighter or heavier periods, there is no great threat in taking the vaccine during menstruation.
Myth 6: COVID vaccines will weaken your immunity
Due to the spread of misinformations, people have started to believe that COVID vaccines weaken the immunity and make people more prone to SARs-COV-2 virus. On the contrary, COVID vaccines assists your immune system in identifying deadly pathogens and enables them to fight against it. It does not weaken or overload the immune system in any way, which is why vaccines are safe to take.