The COVID vaccine facts versus fiction quiz is our attempt at clarifying some of the misinformation that is continuing to lead to vaccine hesitancy. Have you ever heard someone say they got the flu from the vaccine? How about not getting vaccinated against COVID19 because of fear of DNA alterations? In this post we will look at some of the ongoing misconceptions while also testing your knowledge.
No matter where you look these days, there is information about the COVID19 vaccines. Despite the abundance of reputable websites such as the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to provide proper guidance and references, there are still many people who receive medical guidance from someone who is not qualified to provide it. Everyone has had conversations at work, the coffee shop, grocery store, or on social media…we all know at least one social media expert…stating the “facts” about the vaccine. In this post, we dispel some of the myths you may have heard, but please remember, doing proper research and speaking with an actual expert are the only safe ways to accurately inform yourself.
So, let’s look at some of the commonly asked questions and try to separate fact from fiction. We won’t keep score, but you may want to test your knowledge to see how you do.
Fact or Fiction: The COVID19 vaccines cause DNA alterations?
Fiction! Both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are mRNA based, but the mRNA technology is not brand new and does not alter our DNA. In fact, the mRNA is a natural chemical and is quickly broken down after triggering the immune response. The newly approved Johnson and Johnson vaccine uses a modified adenovirus and is not mRNA based.
Fact or Fiction: You could get COVID19 from receiving the vaccine?
Fiction! The vaccines are not live vaccines and as a result, they cannot cause a COVID19 infection, despite having the potential to cause some adverse effects.
Fact or Fiction: COVID19 vaccine adverse effects are severe and only some people should be vaccinated.
Fiction! Adverse effects can happen with all vaccines and are generally not severe and a positive sign that our bodies are building immunity. Commonly reported adverse effects with the COVID19 vaccines include local reactions such as redness, swelling and tenderness at the injection site. Systemic reactions mimic flu-like symptoms and can include fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, or fatigue.
Fact or Fiction: If you have a severe food allergy you cannot get vaccinated against COVID19.
Fiction! Having a severe allergic reaction to a food is not a contraindication for getting vaccinated against COVID19. And although having severe allergic reactions to other vaccines is a reason for caution, it is not a reason to not get vaccinated. It is important to balance the benefits versus the risks. While most patients will need to be monitored for fifteen minutes, those with a history of anaphylaxis should be watched for thirty minutes.
Fact or Fiction: The COVID19 vaccines cause infertility and should be avoided by those trying to conceive.
Fiction! There is no evidence that either of the available mRNA COVID19 vaccines cause infertility. It’s also important to note that pregnant patients appear to have a higher likelihood of having a more severe COVID19 infection. Again, it comes down to weighing the risks and benefits. Discuss this with your healthcare provider to help make the best decision for you.
Fact or Fiction: I should wait ninety days to vaccinate because I had COVID19 and was treated with one of the monoclonal antibody treatments.
Fact! Since the possibility exists for interference between the monoclonal antibodies and your immune system’s response to the vaccine, it is advisable to wait ninety (90) days before getting vaccinated.
How did you do? Did you get all six questions right? It’s okay if you didn’t. There is a lot of misinformation out there and it’s often hard to the tell the myth from reality. It’s important to openly communicate with your healthcare providers and get your information from reputable sources. Getting vaccinated against COVID19 is an important step in slowing and hopefully eventually stopping this pandemic. Do your part by getting educated and then getting vaccinated.
We learn more each day and there are ongoing changes to the guidance we currently have. Stay tuned for more updates. If you have questions about any of the items we covered or if we can help point you in the right direction, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
The Consultant Pharmacists at OctariusRx provide guidance on safe medication management, survey readiness and cost savings to ambulatory healthcare facilities/surgery centers, senior care facilities and pharmacies. We also help individual patients optimize their medications to improve their quality of life and save money. Contact us for assistance.
