True or False?

COVID-19 VACCINE MYTHS AND FACTS

Myth 1: Vaccines are unsafe and normal safety protocols have been circumvented to fast track their authorisation for use
Fact: The fast development and approval of vaccines is a great human feat worthy of celebration. This has been possible because we have learnt over many decades how to make and test vaccines and we were able to take those lessons and challenge ourselves to produce a vaccine much quicker. No step in the development, testing or ratification of the COVID-19 vaccines has been skipped. The world was able to develop vaccines fast because scientists and governments around the world collaborated in a manner that has never been achieved before and pooled resources and information to ensure that everyone can contribute to the knowledge.

Myth 2: The vaccine will change my DNA
Fact: Vaccines work by stimulating the body the same way the virus would if someone were infected. That means when you receive the vaccine the body then recognised that it looks like the coronavirus and then it releases certain chemicals that start a chain reaction to make immune cells that can fight the real virus. The vaccine does not work on the DNA of the body. Some people think that because some of the vaccines are made using RNA technology that means the RNA will interact with the DNA. That is not how it works. The technology is simply the way the vaccine is made - not what it will do to the body.

Myth 3: Vaccines contain a form of microchip that will be used to track and control an individual
Fact: There is no vaccine "microchip" and there is no evidence to support claims that such a move is planned. Receiving a vaccine will not allow people to be tracked and personal information would not be entered into a database.

Myth 4: Big businesses are pushing vaccines to improve profits
Fact: The COVID-19 crisis has caused massive upheaval across the globe and no nation has been spared. A vaccine represents the best hope to save lives and to restore our way of life, many governments have therefore entered into direct talks with vaccine makers to ensure a timeous supply of vaccines.

Myth 5: Once I get the vaccine, I won’t have to wear a mask or worry about social distancing.
Fact: You don’t become immediately immune after having the vaccine. It takes some time for your body to begin to develop antibodies. Vaccines have been tested for their ability to prevent severe illness and death from COVID-19. It’s not yet clear if they also protect against asymptomatic infection and spread. Even if you get the vaccine, you should continue to wear a mask around others, wash your hands and practice physical distancing.

 

Source:  www.gov.za

The above is shared for information purposes only and provided on the basis that readers will make their own determination, including seeking advice from a healthcare professional. E&OE. Life Healthcare Group Ltd does not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage suffered by the reader as a result of the information provided.