What happens after taking the COVID-19 Vaccine? Top 5 Myths Debunked

Getting your COVID-19 vaccine shot is perhaps one of your biggest milestones this year. If you’ve been lucky enough to get yours already, that’s great news! However, beware of outlandish myths that are propagated by people via social media.

From having a tracking chip installed in you to claims of infertility, the COVID-19 vaccine has been associated with some of the most bizarre conspiracies.

These types of disinformation are, in fact, simply false and have zero credibility or scientific background to back them up. Here are the top 5 post-COVID-19 vaccine myths debunked!

#1: I will never get infected with COVID-19 after being vaccinated

As good as this prospect seems, it’s not entirely true. While COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective, none are 100 per cent effective. Experts say that one in 20 vaccinated persons on average would still develop COVID-19 if exposed to the virus, giving an efficacy rate of 95%.

However, a vaccine is still immensely beneficial. A person who has not been vaccinated will have more severe symptoms, while a person who has been vaccinated will have much milder symptoms,

Therefore, even if you are immunised, especially in populations where the majority is not inoculated yet, it is recommended to stick to the social distancing and masking measures to prevent the spread of the virus to those who are immunocompromised and not protected.

#2: The vaccine will make you sick with COVID-19

There are a number of COVID-19 vaccines available for mass use throughout the world today but none of the current vaccines contains the live virus that causes COVID-19. This means that a vaccine cannot make us sick with COVID-19.

Mild symptoms reported by vaccinated persons (pain, skin redness at the injection site, headache and fever) are only proof that your immune system is activated.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccine, built on mRNA-vaccines technology, and the Chinese and Russian vaccines, built on an inactivated virus, can NOT revert to a live, active infection.

#3: I’m fully protected against the virus the moment I get my second COVID-19 shot

Once you get your second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, you will need to give your immune system time to mount an appropriate response and antibodies against the virus.

Developing immunity can take a good 2-3 weeks; therefore, a fully vaccinated and protected individual is one that has received their second COVID-19 shot at least 2-3 weeks prior.

#4: The COVID-19 vaccine can affect your fertility

This myth has been making rounds across the globe started after a false report emerged on social media about the workings of the vaccine. It wrote that the vaccine targets the same proteins of the virus that are also present on the placental tissue, affecting a woman’s ability to carry a baby.

The COVID-19 vaccine does target a specific spike protein on the outer surface of the virus, but it has no resemblance or relation to the natural tissues of the placenta or any other reproductive organs.

#5: The side effects of COVID-19 vaccines are dangerous

A life-threatening side effect to the COVID-19 vaccine or just about any vaccination is extremely rare. Individuals who have a history of allergic reactions to vaccines are particularly susceptible and are not recommended to get the vaccine.

For the majority of people, however, the COVID-19 vaccine side effects are minimal to none. The usual symptoms that people report include injection site tenderness, mild fatigue, joint pains and a low-grade fever that subsides in a few days.

Takeaway

If these top myths are keeping you from getting a life-saving vaccine shot, it’s high time you do your research and book your next appointment at the earliest. Remember: the pandemic is not over unless everyone is protected.