Vaccine Myths v Facts
FACT v FICTION: THE TRUTH BEHIND THE COVID VACCINES
Some people may wonder whether the vaccine is safe for them. Their concerns may stem from pre-existing conditions such as allergies, pregnancy or other health concerns. Below, we answer many of the most frequently asked questions about who should get vaccinated and dispel some of the most common myths out there about the vaccines. Let’s get started:
faqs:
Are COVID-19 vaccinations for certain age groups?
The CDC recommends everyone over the age of 12 for vaccination
If I currently have COVID-19 or was exposed to it, should I get vaccinated?
No. The vaccines should not be given to anyone actively infected with COVID-19 or who may have been exposed to it. You can receive the vaccine after you’ve fully recovered, or your quarantine period has ended.
If I have allergies, should I get vaccinated?
It depends on what you’re allergic to. If you have a history of severe allergies or allergies to other vaccines, talk to your doctor before getting vaccinated to ensure your safety.
If I’m immunocompromised, should I get vaccinated?
People who are immunocompromised were not part of the vaccine trials. Talk to your doctor about the best decision for you.
If I have an underlying medical condition, should I get the vaccine?
Yes. But you should not get vaccinated if you have severe allergic reactions. (See the previous question, “If I have allergies, should I get vaccinated?”). In clinical trials, the COVID-19 vaccines were shown to be as safe and effective for people with underlying medical conditions as for those without.
If I’m trying to get pregnant, currently pregnant or breastfeeding, should I get vaccinated?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Nurse Midwives, the CDC and other medical groups strongly recommend pregnant people get the COVID 19 vaccine.
Check out these links to studies that show the broad medical consensus that COVID-19 vaccines are safe for pregnant people!
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0811-vaccine-safe-pregnant.html
Debunking Myths
We’ve compiled a list of common myths circulating about the COVID-19 vaccines and have included links to credible sources of information about the coronavirus and the available vaccines. We urge you to consult these sources for answers to questions you may have and/or to verify information you’ve heard. Together, we can set the record straight and share information to help protect our friends, our families and each other.
MYTH 1: The COVID-19 vaccines have the live virus in them and can give me COVID.
None of the available vaccines contain the live COVID-19 virus. They will not give you COVID-19.
MYTH 2: The COVID-19 vaccines can cause infertility.
There’s no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility. For additional information, visit: Vaccination Considerations for People who are Pregnant or Breastfeeding | CDC from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
*Note: If you’re trying to get pregnant, currently pregnant or breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor about your risks, preferences and options before getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
MYTH 3: I have to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine myself.
Insured, uninsured—it’s all the same — there should be no out-of-pocket cost to get vaccinated.
MYTH 4: The COVID-19 vaccines are not effective in preventing illness.
All the vaccines are highly effective at preventing COVID-19.
It’s important to note that an accurate comparison of all three vaccines is difficult to produce, as the Johnson & Johnson trials occurred when variant strains of the virus had been introduced to the population. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were tested before this was the case. However, recent tests have found that 2 doses of the Pfizer vaccine has an effectiveness between 64% and 95% against the Delta variant.
In clinical trials, the Pfizer vaccine was 95% effective against COVID-19, while the Moderna vaccine was 94% effective. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was 90% effective in tests conducted in the US.
All three vaccines perform exceptionally well in reducing severe cases, limiting hospitalization and death almost entirely. All three will save countless lives.
MYTH 5: I already had COVID-19 so I don’t need to get vaccinated.
Evidence suggests natural immunity to COVID-19 may not last very long. Plus, you can still get re-infected with COVID-19 after recovering from it.
MYTH 6: The COVID-19 vaccines contain toxic ingredients.
All COVID-19 vaccines contain common ingredients like fats, salts and a small amount of sugar.
In addition, mRNA vaccines contain Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), while the Johnson & Johnson vector vaccine contains polysorbate.
If you are allergic to PEG, you should not get an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Ask your doctor if you can get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
If you are allergic to polysorbate, you should not get the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Ask your doctor if you can get an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
Regardless of which vaccine you get, you should be asked if you are allergic to any of their ingredients.