COVID Vaccine myths and truths
For many healthcare professionals, it is extremely frustrating to hear all the glaring, false misinformation surrounding COVID vaccines. These vaccines are our best shot at putting an end to this pandemic, but where do these myths even come from? Here are the actual truths behind some of the more common ones:
It does NOT causes infertility - This myth likely arose from a letter supposedly from the “head of Pfizer” (in reality from 2 non-Pfizer affiliated individuals) claiming that the vaccine could cause “female sterilization” because the targeted COVID spike protein is similar to a protein in placental development. The science behind this claim is false - there is not enough similarity between these proteins to cause any confusion in your body.
It does NOT have a microchip. - This rumor likely arose in an interview in March when Bill Gates mentioned that vaccine records may eventually be available as "digital certificates” (vs the paper ones we have now). There was no mention of "microchips" but given his tech associations, one could see the jump.
It does NOT alter your DNA - Unfortunately with similar abbreviations, many may confuse DNA and RNA, but in reality they are 2 different entities with 2 different jobs in our bodies. DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. It resides in the nucleus of our cells and carries all our genetic information. RNA stands for ribonucleic acid and generally functions in a cell’s cytoplasm outside the nucleus. The mRNA of the COVID vaccine will never come in contact with your DNA.
It can NOT give you COVID - Many people have reported transient headaches, body aches, and fevers following their COVID vaccines. While these symptoms could be misinterpreted as being “sick,” they are actually a very normal reaction and signs that your immune system is healthy and responding to the vaccine.
It does NOT have fetal tissue in it. - The COVID vaccine does not have any aborted fetal cells or tissue in it. However the confusion may have come from the fact that there was some early research with lab generated “fetal cell lines” (which are not the same).
It can NOT cause autism or cancer - The autism myth arose in 1998 when a paper was published falsely linking it to the MMR vaccine. The paper has been since invalidated numerous times, and the doctor who conducted the original “research” has had his license revoked. There is no evidence that the COVID vaccine causes autism or cancer.
I for one am so grateful for the work and research that has gone into this vaccine. I am optimistic that #thisisourshot to ending this prolonged pandemic.
