COVID-19 vaccines. They are finally here. Two are already being distributed with a number of others on the way. But as always seems to be the case where vaccines are concerned, valid apprehension and conspiracy theories have gotten swept up in a swirl of misinformation. We’re tackling some myths related to inoculation, from the absurd to the understandable.
Claim 1: The COVID-19 vaccine shot is a way for Bill Gates (or insert preferred public figure here) to implant microchips in us.
We have only one question for individuals who have this specific concern: Do you have a cell phone?
Even the “dumbest” of cell phones can be pinged to give the user’s location. And smartphones collect a variety of user data — everything from location to internet activity to search history to the amount of time users spend interacting with specific content or apps. In other words, there’s no need to inject you with a microchip; you already carry one in your pocket.
Claim 2: I don’t know what’s in the vaccine, so I don’t want it in my body.
Have you ever eaten a hot dog? Or a fast food chicken nugget? You didn’t know what was in that, but you put it in your body anyway.
All flippancy aside, we encounter substances every day that we ingest or put on our skin without knowing exactly what is in them. But vaccines — unlike many other things — go through rigorous tests to ensure their safety. There are multiphase trials, meticulously kept records of reactions and side effects and various approval processes. Once the vaccines have undergone all the standard tests and received the needed approval, they are safe. If you have specific concerns — such as fear of an allergic reaction — discuss them with your doctor.
Claim 3: The COVID-19 vaccine can/will give me COVID.
This is just the latest iteration of “if I get X vaccine, it will give me X disease” or, more vaguely, “it will make me ill.” Debunking this myth requires a more nuanced approach.
It is true that many people feel unwell after receiving an inoculation shot. Likely, there will be soreness, redness and/or swelling around the injection site. Other common side effects of receiving the COVID vaccine include fever, headache, chills and tiredness. The side effects of your yearly flu shot are similar: Low-grade fever, headache and muscle or joint aches. In other words, it’s common to feel lousy after you get vaccinated. You should only start to worry if you still don’t feel well after a few days.
Here’s where things get complicated: Does a vaccine give you X disease? Yes and no. The whole point of vaccination is to trigger the body’s immune response to a particular germ without having to endure the full illness to get immunity. This makes it so the body recognizes the germ later and makes it easier for your body to fight off the infection. The CDC has put together a webpage that explains how this works: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html
Hopefully we’ve assuaged some of your fears. If you have any remaining concerns, please do speak with your doctor. And please, when it’s your turn, get the COVID-19 vaccine so we can get back to a life that resembles normal.
