Myths And Facts About COVID-19 Vaccines

The coronavirus is possibly here to stay for a long time but we have finally had a ray of hope in the form of the vaccine. Everyone who is above the age of 18 can now get the vaccine in India by registering themselves on the official government portals. However, there has been much confusion, misinformation, and even fear about the vaccine. In this article, we aim to bust all the myths surrounding the COVID-19 vaccination and equip you with facts. 

Myths And Facts About COVID-19 Vaccines

Following are some important myths and their clarification about COVID-19. Keep yourself as well as your loved ones well-informed with the right facts and avoid being drawn into baseless fear.

Myth #1: The vaccine is underdeveloped and unsafe because it was rolled out within such a short time.

Fact: Although the vaccine did get developed in record time, it has still undergone all the regular checks that vaccines are put through. There are two vaccines that are currently available in India, the Covaxin by Bharat Biotech and the Covishield by Serum Institute of India. Both of these have undergone a thorough vetting process. Their efficacy rates are relatively low but it is still important to get vaccinated as it is one of the only ways to combat the virus right now.

Myth #2 The vaccine is unsafe for pregnant women.

Fact: The vaccine is neither unsafe for pregnant women nor does it hamper any chances of future pregnancy. There has been no proof of such cases up until now. The vaccine is definitely still very much being studied as is the virus and COVID-19. However, in light of no such problems related to the vaccines, it is safe to say that you can take the vaccine while pregnant. It is also advisable to consult your doctor beforehand if you need a formal recommendation. 

Myth #3: The vaccine is unsafe for women during their menstruation cycle.

Fact: This is a widely spreading piece of misinformation. There has been no evidence to prove that either of the vaccines is unsafe for those who are on their periods. It does not cause infertility either. There has been no evidence that suggests people who experience period cramps might suffer from any severe side effects either.

Myth #4: There is no need to be vaccinated if you have already had COVID-19.

Fact: Although it is true that your body develops antibodies once you have COVID-19, it is still very important to take the vaccine. There is no guarantee of how long the antibodies will continue to protect you. It has also been found that the vaccine triggered a more robust immunological response in those who have already been affected by the coronavirus. Being vaccinated also reduces your chances of spreading the virus to others and can, therefore, help keep your family and loved ones safe.

Myth #5: The vaccines may infect an individual with the virus itself.

Fact: This is not true at all because neither of the two vaccines contains the live coronavirus. Covaxin is made with an inactivated strain of the coronavirus and Covishield uses a weakened strain of the adenovirus from chimpanzees. Rest assured, both of these vaccines are completely safe and will not cause COVID-19 themselves. There definitely remains a small chance of getting infected even after taking the vaccine but that is not from the vaccine itself.

Endnotes

Make sure that you keep yourself updated and informed with the right information. If you are eligible for the vaccine, it is important to get vaccinated as soon as possible. It is one of the only solutions that are available as of now. It keeps you, as well as your family relatively safe from the coronavirus. 

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