With the Coronavirus vaccine being distributed, there have been many questions and speculations regarding the safety and accuracy of the serum. Vaccine myths and misconceptions are to be expected and we at Freedom Home Care are here to help by providing you with 5 myths about the COVID vaccine according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Check out the vaccine myths below.
MYTH #1: If I’ve already had COVID-19, I don’t need a vaccine.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, people who have gotten sick from COVID-19 may still benefit from getting the vaccine. Many reports have stated that after someone contracts COVID-19, they may possess an immunity for some time after recovery, however reinfection is always possible. Receiving the vaccine can offer better protection for coronavirus than the natural infection allowing someone who has already been infected to not get reinfected.
MYTH #2: Researchers rushed the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, so its effectiveness and safety cannot be trusted.
The fact to this myth is that studies have found that two initial vaccines are both about 95% effective and reported no serious or life-threatening side effects. According to Johns Hopkins, a few reasons the vaccine was developed so quickly was because the COVID-19 vaccines were created with a method that has been in development for years allowing the process to begin early in the pandemic. Additionally, China isolated and shared genetic information about COVID-19 promptly, so scientists could start working on vaccines. Furthermore, because COVID-19 is so contagious and widespread, it did not take long to see if the vaccine worked for the study volunteers who were vaccinated.
MYTH #3: Getting the COVID-19 vaccine means I can stop wearing my mask and taking coronavirus precautions.
It is important to remain taking precautions according to CDC State guidelines regardless of receiving the vaccine. Johns Hopkins Medicine writes, “Vaccines do not stop the coronavirus from entering your body; they only prevent you from developing moderate to severe COVID-19. It’s not yet clear if people vaccinated for COVID-19 can still carry and transmit the virus, even when they themselves don’t get sick”.
MYTH #4: The side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are dangerous.
It is reported that the COVID-19 vaccine can have side effects, but for most, the effects are short term and not dangerous. It is common to experience body aches, headaches, or a fever after receiving the vaccine. These side effects show that the vaccine is working by stimulating your immune system. If you have a prior health condition or any concerns regarding the vaccine, it is important to speak with a health care professional regarding your worries. Our Freedom health care professionals are happy to guide you and provide any support you may need.
MYTH #5: Now that we have a vaccine for COVID-19, we can make vaccines for the common cold, HIV and other diseases.
Johns Hopkins reports that viruses can change and mutate over the years making it difficult to develop a vaccine that will be successful for a long period of time. The thousands of viruses that cause various diseases are very different.
There may be many vaccine myths and misconceptions circulating around causing concern amongst many which is why we at Freedom Home Care want to provide our patients with reliable information to further help in educating everyone on the correct precautions to take. With new findings each day, our Freedom health team is dedicated to staying up to date and providing resources whenever we can! Contact us today with any questions you may have.