Do not believe these 5 COVID-19 vaccine myths that may keep you from getting a jab

19-12-2020

The novel coronavirus pandemic is believed to be coming to an end, with the approval of a few vaccines for public use in some countries, including the US and the UK. Vaccinations have begun in a number of countries around the world and is soon to commence in many others. While people have been waiting desperately for a COVID vaccine to go back to normal life as they knew it, surveys now suggest that many people, all around the world, are apprehensive about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccinations have begun with healthcare workers and caregivers receiving the first shots of COVID-19 vaccine in many countries. While the vaccines may take a while to reach the general public, misconceptions and myths circulating around can convince you to not get a COVID-19 vaccine. Here are 5 such myths busted to help you understand if or not, you should get vaccinated.

5 myths about COVID-19 vaccines are:-
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1. A COVID-19 vaccine may not be safe � Many people are not sure if a vaccine developed so quickly is safe for use or not. The allergic reactions suffered by the first few people who were administered the vaccine have also sparked such doubts in people's minds. However, regulatory bodies such as the FDA do not let a vaccine get anywhere close to the public until they have proven safe for use.
2. The vaccines have been rushed � While vaccines developed previously have taken years and even decades to be approved for use, the COVID-19 vaccines needed to be developed and approved in a fast-track manner, because of how far and wide the disease has spread. However, just because it has been fast-tracked, does not mean it has been rushed. All vaccines approved for use till now have gone through the clinical trials phase, and have proven safe and effective.
3. Vaccine trials being halted means there are issues � In September, vaccine trials of AstraZeneca and Oxford University's COVID-19 vaccine were halted, after a participant suffered neurological problems. However, trials are often halted to look into such complications, and it does not mean that the vaccine is unsafe.
4. A vaccine will affect your immunity adversely � Many people believe that while a vaccine may help prevent illness of one type, it can have an adverse impact on the overall immunity of the body. However, that is just a myth. A vaccine only helps the body produce antibodies against a particular pathogen, helping the body prevent the pathogen from entering and causing disease in the future.
5. Vaccines are only for vulnerable groups � While governments and health agencies are prioritizing some vulnerable groups when it comes to vaccine distribution, it does not mean that they are only for such groups. Vaccines need to be administered to everyone, if they want to prevent COVID-19, and stay safe from the viral infection.