We’re here to help you separate fact from fiction by debunking some of the biggest myths about the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Buckle up, because there are quite a few.
Myth: You can get coronavirus from the COVID-19 vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assures the public that there is no live virus in either of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines available to the public. “The biggest myth is that a person can get COVID-19 from receiving the vaccine,” explains Dr. Timothy Brewer, M.D., M.P.H., a professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases and of epidemiology at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. “The two approved vaccines from Pfizer[-BioNTech] and Moderna do not contain any virus and therefore cannot cause COVID-19 disease.”
Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine changes your DNA
The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines do not have any effect on your DNA; in fact, the CDC explains that the vaccine doesn’t actually reach the part of the cell—the nucleus—where our DNA is stored. “It is important to remind the public that this technology has been studied for decades by many research groups and even though has not been used in vaccines before,” shares Dr. Julita Mir, MD, Infectious Disease Physician and Chief Medical Officer of Community Care Cooperative, “there is plenty of evidence that the human genome (genetic code) is not affected.”
Myth: The COVID-19 vaccines were developed too quickly to know if they’re safe
Experts confirm that the vaccines have been rigorously tested. In fact, the CDC notes that both vaccines currently available were tested and approved with the same standards as all other vaccines by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Though the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are the first mRNA vaccines to be approved for use in humans, they are based on years of research,” shares Dr. Brewer. “The AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are based on established vaccine approaches that have been used for years. All vaccine trials are overseen by an independent data and safety board, a group of scientists not affiliated with the original study investigators. The trial results also are reviewed by independent groups of scientists and physicians for the FDA and by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.”
Myth: Reports of serious side effects mean the COVID-19 vaccines aren’t safe
While there have been some reports of serious allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccines, the good news is that they’re few and far between. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports there have only been 29 cases of anaphylaxis with almost 2 million doses administered. “Side effects, if any, are in general mild and limited to 24-48 hours,” shares Dr. Mir. “Cases of allergic reactions need to be monitored, but so far, the number of these cases remain low. Individuals with severe allergies to foods or medications, and those who carry epinephrine with them, require extra precautions including observations, access to emergency services, etc.” Most frequently, if people experience side effects after receiving one of the COVID-19 vaccines, they are similar to what is experienced after a flu shot.
Myth: One of the COVID vaccines is better than the other
While there are four different COVID vaccines, the ones we’re hearing about the most are Pfizer and Moderna, as that’s what most people have gotten so far. But is one is better than the other? Due to distribution, there is little control over which vaccine is available near you, but the good news is: one isn’t better than the other. In fact, Dr. Susan Rehm, M.D., an infectious disease expert at Cleveland Clinic, says they are very similar. “The main difference between the vaccines is how they are stored, elaborates Dr. Rehm. “Pfizer’s vaccine must be stored in ultracold freezers, while Moderna’s only requires a regular freezer. They have similar efficacy as well as similar safety profiles.”
Myth: If you already had COVID, you don’t need the vaccine
Even if you were asymptomatic or recovered from the symptoms of COVID-19, the CDC still advises you receive the vaccine. This is because it is unknown how long immunity lasts after having coronavirus—the CDC notes “Some early evidence suggests natural immunity may not last very long”—and there are reports of people getting infected with the virus twice.
Myth: Pregnant women can’t get a COVID-19 vaccine
While pregnant women were not included in the initial testing—Dr. Mir notes that it is normal for not all demographic groups to be included in initial phases of vaccine research—pregnant women are not excluded from getting the vaccine. While there isn’t direct data, Dr. Mir adds inferences can be made as to the safety based on other vaccines on the market. Right now, the only group excluded from vaccination are children, as the Pfizer vaccine is authorized for those 16 and up, and the Moderna vaccine for those 18 and older. “At this time, there is no data on the safety of the vaccine in pregnant and breastfeeding women, as they were not included in the clinical trials,” adds Dr. Rehm. “It’s recommended that patients should discuss the benefits and risks with their provider. It is also important to note that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recently put out guidance recommending that pregnancy not be a contraindication for receiving the vaccine.”
Myth: Once you get the vaccine, you no longer need to social distance or wear a mask
The CDC stresses that after you receive a COVID-19 vaccine, you should still consider social distancing, wearing a mask and properly washing your hands. This is because you don’t know if others near you have received the vaccine yet and it is still unknown if you can spread the coronavirus even after being vaccinated. “Published data for the two approved vaccines and the AstraZeneca vaccine show that all are effective at preventing severe COVID-19 disease in vaccine recipients,” shares Dr. Brewer. “We do not yet know if any of the vaccines prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and therefore stop transmission. People who have been vaccinated still need to follow CDC recommendations for preventing COVID-19 spread, wear a face mask, maintain physical distancing, stay home if sick or symptomatic and practice good hand hygiene.”
Myth: The COVID-19 vaccines contain a microchip so we can be tracked and monitored
There has been a lot of misinformation going around since the coronavirus began and this myth is one that has been confirmed invalid. The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) shares that this myth started because of Bill Gates’ involvement in the development and distribution of the vaccine; his background in technology brought this conspiracy to the forefront. The FAS assures the public that this is disproved, adding that much of the spread of this myth is via Twitter.
Myth: The COVID-19 vaccines need to be updated because of new variants, so we are advised to wait
New variants of the coronavirus have been confirmed by the CDC, and while this may be alarming, they note that it is to be expected. Dr. Brewer notes we do not know for sure if the vaccines on the market protect against these new variants, but “it is thought that they will.” Initial studies corroborate this, with one study still in pre-print finding the Pfizer vaccine had similar results on the new variants. Next up, find out where the coronavirus vaccines are available.
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