Taking a look at COVID-19 vaccine myths vs. reality
Powell
Keim
Distribution of COVID-19 vaccine is gearing up in our region, our nation and around the world. At Tower Health, we believe vaccination is the safest and fastest way to defeat coronavirus, along with wearing a mask, social distancing and frequent handwashing.
Following Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines, Tower Health is vaccinating its workforce, along with communitybased healthcare providers. Over time, the vaccine will be made available to all.
We believe strongly in the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine but also understand that others may have questions or concerns. As availability of vaccine increases and we prepare to administer the vaccine throughout the community, we want to provide some simply myths vs. reality about the COVID-19 vaccine. We hope this information will help more of the public embrace this opportunity to put the pandemic behind us.
Myth: COVID-19 vaccines will give you COVID-19.
Reality: None of the COVID-19 vaccines in use in the United States contain the virus that causes COVID-19. It is not possible for the vaccine to cause COVID-19.
Myth: Getting the COVID-19 vaccine will cause you to pass the COVID-19 illness to your family or friends.
Reality: The vaccine does not cause COVID-19, so it is not possible for the vaccine to make you contagious with the disease.
Myth: COVID-19 vaccines will cause you to test positive for COVID-19.
Reality: The vaccine does not cause COVID-19 and so will not cause you to test positive for the disease. If your body develops an immune response, which is the goal of vaccination, it is possible you could test positive on some antibody tests, indicating a level of protection against the virus.
Myth: Getting vaccinated will not prevent you and others from getting sick with COVID-19.
Reality: The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines have shown an effectiveness rate of about 95 percent. This surpasses the effectiveness rate of the annual flu vaccine and is equal to the effectiveness rates for the measles vaccine. While no vaccine is 100 percent effective, the COVID-19 vaccines have been proven to safely prevent the spread of the disease. Vaccination, along with wearing a mask, avoiding large crowds and hand washing, is our best hope to slow the spread of disease, relieve the pressure on hospitals and caregivers and allow our communities to resume more normal activities.
Myth: Receiving an mRNA vaccine will alter your DNA
Reality: mRNA (which stands for messenger ribonucleic acid) is not able to enter or change your genetic makeup (DNA). The mRNA from a COVID-19 vaccine never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA are. The mRNA vaccine works by teaching your cells to produce a harmless piece of “spike protein,” similar to what is found on the coronavirus. Your immune system then creates antibodies in response to this spike protein, which protect you from the actual coronavirus should you become infected. Once your body produces these antibodies, the mRNA is eliminated by your body. mRNA technology has been used with other vaccines for flu, Zika, rabies and other viruses.
Myth: People who have recovered from COVID-19 do not need to get vaccinated.
Reality: The health risks of COVID-19 can be severe. Even if you have recovered from COVID-19, health experts advise that you should receive the vaccine, just as you should continue to wear a mask, avoid large crowds and frequently wash your hands.
Myth: After an individual is vaccinated, they no longer need to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Reality: Even after you receive the COVID-19 vaccine, health experts advise that individuals continue to wear a mask, avoid large crowds and frequently wash your hands. We must remain vigilant against the spread of COVID-19 until the number of cases are low enough to allow for relaxation of these preventive measures.
Myth: COVID-19 isn’t that serious, so I don’t need a vaccine.
Reality: COVID-19 has killed more than 350,000 Americans and more than 1.96 million persons worldwide. While many cases are mild, or even asymptomatic, the disease can cause serious health problems and has taxed hospitals and healthcare providers around the world. Even lowrisk individuals can spread the disease to others who might be come seriously ill or die. We all have a role to play in stopping the spread, and getting a vaccine is an important part.
Healthcare providers like Tower Health are working closely together and with government health authorities to vaccinate as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. We encourage you to follow information from state and local health departments and on Tower Health’s COVID-19 Information Center.
Dr. Debra Powell is Chief, Section of Infectious Disease and Medical Director Infection Prevention; Marie Keim is System Director, Epidemiology and Infection Prevention, Infection Prevention Officer at Tower Health.