Facts vs Myths: What you need to know about the COVID-19 Vaccine

It has been almost a year since we experienced the social and economic impacts of one of the longest lockdown periods in history caused by the COVID-19 pandemic which has already exceeded over 100 million cases worldwide.

In December 2020, it was announced that the United Kingdom was the first country to authorize a vaccine made by Pfizer-BioNtech for emergency use. Numerous pharmaceutical companies followed suit for deployment which led to the fastest recorded group of vaccines in human history with a very high success rate.

Locally, the year-long wait for the vaccine is finally over. In the next few months, it will be distributed nationwide. However, there has been a lot of misinformation circling around the internet on the safety and legitimacy of the vaccine due to its lack of long-term studies.

To better understand the vaccines available in the market today, it is important to know whether what is being said online—a fact or a myth.

Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine will give you long-term negative effects

Fact: There has been a lot of speculation that the vaccine will give you long-term negative effects including autism, being prone to illnesses, and even death. In scientific history, vaccines are most likely to show side-effects within 30-45 days at most after receiving the last dosage. But thanks to technological innovations and advancements, the process of creating the vaccine was simplified and made quicker.

It is also essential to take note that world health leaders and medical researchers meticulously test vaccines in order for them to be approved and rolled out for public usage. One thing that has always been prioritized in the history of medicine is the risk over benefit aspect.

Myth: You don’t have to wear a mask anymore

Fact: If the past year taught us anything, it is that we cannot be too comfortable with our surroundings anymore. The vaccine can help you avoid getting sick but it doesn’t mean you can’t infect others. You can be infected and become completely asymptomatic but others who have not received the vaccine can still be affected by the virus.

According to American physician-scientist Dr. Anthony Fauci, at least 70-80 percent of the world’s population would have to be vaccinated in order for people to ease in on not having to wear a face mask. Besides, with the recent findings of a new strain developing, other health experts do not advise the public to stop wearing face masks or being too carefree anytime soon.

Myth: I will be considered vaccinated once I have taken my last dosage

Fact: Vaccination usually takes full effect 12-14 days after the last trial period. The mentality of being able to go out right after vaccination should not be followed since the vaccine will still take time to work and adjust its way around protecting your body.

Instead, those who are finished getting the second shot will need to continue following safety protocols and be advised for the next steps on when they are considered to be vaccinated. Health professionals also advise that once vaccinated, it is important to drink a lot of fluids and monitor your body regularly.

Myth: The new COVID-19 strain requires another vaccine

Fact: Although the new strain is proven to be easily transmittable, there hasn’t been any further evidence that supports the new strain being deadlier than its counterpart. Thus, the vaccine should be just as effective until further notice from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with regards to any changes and adjustments to be made.

Myth: Vaccine prices are final and official

Fact: There have been a lot of price lists being put on social media regarding how much the vaccines would actually cost. It has been announced that there are currently seven companies that the Philippines is trying to target which are Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, Sinovac, Gamaleya and AstraZeneca but a definite price list is still yet to be determined.

Myth: Taking the vaccine without any advice from doctors or research

Fact: In any case, people should always seek medical assistance or consultation before receiving any type of vaccine. Researching credible sources of information should also be considered when injecting any type of medication into your body.

People will have different experiences when receiving particular medications, and the COVID-19 vaccine will not be any different. It is important to understand and observe your body for any allergic or negative reactions. Some of the early effects were similar to common vaccine reactions including arm soreness, fatigue, headache, and fever. There have also been a small number of cases of severe allergic reactions, but none of which were reported to be fatal.

Myth: Public opinion is always right

Fact: Doing research doesn’t necessarily mean that you should completely avoid what is being said online. Public opinion should always be evaluated correctly by backing it up with sufficient evidence and personal experiences. Getting vaccinated for any type of disease should always be taken seriously and feedback is necessary when it comes to making a decision.

While getting vaccinated is subjected to personal discretion, you should always take into account how your actions and decisions will impact the rest of the community. Hopefully, with this rundown of facts and myths, you get a better idea of the COVID-19 vaccine, the vaccination process, and the precautions you need to take, even after getting your shots.

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