The pandemic caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 halted the normalcy of everyday life in this world. Scientists around the globe conducted vaccine testing using various methods to look for a reliable way to counter this deadly virus and prevent its spread. 

After many successful vaccine trials, the largest vaccine drive in the history of mankind came into effect. Every nation on the globe started administering COVID-19 vaccines to its citizens in order to provide protection from this life-threatening disease. 

But, the vaccination drive in many countries including India faced resistance in the form of vaccine hesitancy. An increasing number of myths surrounding the vaccine are circulated and unfortunately, believed by many.

Myths about COVID Vaccines – Busted with Sound Reasoning! 

• Myth 1 – COVID vaccines have serious long term side effects.

It is a myth that getting vaccinated will have long term and serious side effects on the body. Yes, many people do experience side effects like fever, body aches or headaches. However, these side effects are only felt for a day or two. These short term side effects occur when your immune system gets activated by the vaccine and develops antibodies to the virus.

• Myth 2 – The vaccines are unsafe since they were developed without proper testing and in a rush.

The development of the vaccines was done by researchers who used methods that were already under development because scientists had been researching vaccines against deadly viruses for decades. Vaccines like Covishield, Covaxin, Pfizer, Moderna, Sputnik V, ZyCoV-D have all been tested rigorously and only introduced into the market after passing regulatory tests in each country. It is commendable that the vaccines came out on such short notice, as it was the need of the hour.

• Myth 3 – If someone recovered from COVID-19 they do not need to be vaccinated.

Recovering from COVID-19 means that the virus was countered with a certain level of immunity in the body. However, it does not mean that the person is protected from new strains of virus which are being discovered. Besides, it is not known how long the antibodies produced during your COVID infection will last. Getting a vaccine will maximise the level of protection and provide immunity from stronger strains of the virus too. 

• Myth 4 – The vaccine causes infertility among men and women.

There is no scientific data that can back this ridiculous myth. The vaccine does not interact with a person’s reproductive system and it has no possibility of damaging the reproductive system too.

• Myth 5 – COVID vaccines alter your DNA.

This myth is circulated since vaccines use mRNA technology to help the immunity of the body grow stronger. This technology cannot alter or interfere with DNA at all. mRNA in the vaccine is responsible for creating a protein that helps the immune system create an antibody in response to the COVID-19 virus.

• Myth 6 – There is no need to wear a mask or social distance after getting vaccinated.

Wearing masks and maintaining social distance is crucial to stop the spread of the virus. Even if you are at a lower risk of getting a serious illness due to COVID because you are vaccinated, you can become a carrier of the virus and spread it to other people. Besides, the vaccine does not guarantee 100% immunity, it just maximises the chances of you staying protected from the virus. 

Vaccine controversies have led to the belief in the myths mentioned above. The myths about COVID vaccines lead people to a step backwards in the effort to fight this pandemic. The myths have been busted in order to promote an environment of awareness surrounding the vaccine. If you still have any doubts about vaccination, you should discuss your fears with your doctor, clear your doubts and get the jab. Get vaccinated if you still haven’t and join the world in the fight against COVID-19.

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