Before the development of COVID-19 vaccines and the pandemic itself, there was a divide in views about vaccines in general. There are those who believe in them and those who oppose and avoid them at all costs. Some people have mixed feelings about them and only receive them when required for travel, or things of that nature. The divide seemed clearer than ever with the development and administration of the COVID-19 vaccines.
Unfortunately, rumors and misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccines spread like wildfire across the web. A high percentage of people cite social media platforms or a random blogs as their sources of information. These sources are not credible, yet they are easily shared among like-minded people, or people who were against COVID-19 to begin with. Before you know it, there’s a collective mindset that agrees on inaccurate information.
In an effort to disprove the false claims about the COVID-19 vaccines, health experts continue to release facts and truthful statements about them. They have turned to social media in hopes of reaching more people. Health officials debunked the following myths about the COVID-19 vaccines and provided reliable, factual information.
Myth: COVID-19 Vaccines Cause COVID-19 Variants
The reality is that the COVID-19 virus itself produces the variants. According to research, the virus multiplies and creates new viruses in a human body. This causes genetic variation, not all of which are harmful. Sometimes, though, a mutation can occur and the result is a variant that can spread from person to person. COVID-19 is an easily transmissible disease, which means that variants can spread rapidly. The aim of vaccines is to protect people from variants, and so far they are doing just that.
Myth: Getting The COVID-19 Vaccine Gives You COVID-19
It’s a fact that the vaccine cannot give you COVID-19. The authorized messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines instruct cells to produce a protein that is part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This actually helps the body recognize and produce an immune response to fight it upon encountering it. The vaccine does not contain the SARS-CoV-2 virus, so it’s impossible to get it because of vaccination.
Myth: The COVID-19 Vaccine Makes You Magnetic
Early in the pandemic, a rumor circulated that potential vaccines could magnetize people because of 5G towers. Health officials agree about the fact that this is completely untrue. Over 45% of the American population is vaccinated, and they don’t seem to be sticking to refrigerators or metal objects.
Myth: The COVID-19 Vaccine Will Alter DNA
As we mentioned earlier, the vaccine uses mRNA to instruct cells to produce spike proteins that exist on the SARS-CoV-2 virus. When the immune system encounters this protein, it generates an immune response by creating antibodies. Essentially, the vaccines teach the body how to protect against future infection. The mRNA never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where the body stores DNA. Additionally, the body gets rid of the mRNA soon after it uses the instructions.
Myth: The Government Used Vaccines To Microchip People
Many conspiracy theories exist in the world, especially about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines. Believers are under the impression that injecting the vaccine into the body is the government’s way of microchipping people. The fact of the matter is that it’s physically impossible for microchips to be small enough to be administered through a needle.
Myth: The mRNA Technology Is New
In fact, researchers and scientists have been working on mRNA technology for nearly two decades. The creators of vaccines developed this technology to accelerate the response time to new pandemic illnesses, such as COVID-19.
Myth: The CDC Is Making Everyone Get Vaccinated
This is 100% false and illegal. The federal government cannot mandate vaccination for all. Additionally, the CDC does not keep track of vaccination records for every U.S. resident. You can contact your state government or employer if you have questions about COVID-19 vaccination mandates. Whether or not a state can mandate vaccination is a matter of state law.
