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The internet provides mixed messages about the COVID-19 vaccine, with opinions, fears, or conspiracy theories clashing with actual science. It's no wonder a lot of people are confused about what's real, what's to be trusted, and most importantly – what to do. Here are some facts to alleviate any hesitancy about getting vaccinated.
Myth:
The vaccine development was rushed.
No and yes.
When a vaccine goes into development, it costs exorbitant amounts of money, time, and resources to create. There are also many levels of approvals and trials required that can often be tied up for long periods of time – months and years, even – because there are many other medications, treatments, and vaccines that are simultaneously in the queue to be examined and approved by global Food and Drug Administrations and similar agencies. And sometimes lack of funding grinds these developments to a halt. Because of this, our basic vaccine perception is that effective ones take years to develop.
When COVID-19 struck and became a global pandemic, scientists put other projects on hold (resources), they refocused their energy into working on this vaccine alone (time), and worldwide governments, pharmaceutical companies, private donors, and citizens came together to provide the funding (money) it would need to remove the standard roadblocks.
So, in comparison to a non-pandemic world where vaccines can sometimes take years to go from initiation to trial testing to approval, it was faster. But there were no steps skipped in the process – so it wasn't rushed. It was funding and worldwide collaboration that merely streamlined the process.
Think of it like building a house. You need permits, supplies, and manpower. If only a single person was building the house, it would take years to do. But, if you were at the front of the line for permits, supplies and funds were limitless, and thousands of qualified builders arrived at your door, it would be completed much more quickly while maintaining quality and codes.
Get details on the trials here.
How thorough were the COVID-19 trials?
With these vaccines prioritized and all-hands-on-deck with unlimited money and resources, they were able to be developed faster, but no steps were skipped. They were merely streamlined.Myth:
The COVID-19 vaccine messes with your DNA.
Not at all.
mRNA technology, which is what the COVID-19 vaccine is developed with, is unable to enact with the nucleus of your cells, where DNA resides. Instead, it tells your cells to create a protein that stimulates your immune system to recognize and fight COVID-19 if it enters your body.
Think of it like a crime fighter who shows up at your door, holds up a photo of a bad guy, and says "Get ready. This dude might show up. And if he does, fight him." So, your body starts building ammunition and protecting itself from any COVID-19 invasion. And based on testing, you have up to a 95% chance of whooping its butt.
Myth:
There's stuff in the vaccine you shouldn't trust.
Not unless you have a serious vendetta against salt.
mRNA vaccines contain fats, salts, and a small amount of sugar. They also contain those crime-fighting messengers we spoke about above. They do not contain any strain of the COVID-19 virus, fetal cells, or tracking devices. The only tracking device related to COVID-19 is your cell phone so we can contact you about your upcoming vaccine appointment and Salt Lake County Health Department updates so you can continue to stay informed.
Myth:
If I get the vaccine, I can finally ditch the mask.
Not yet.
While study results are showing that once you've received both your vaccinations and a 14-day waiting period after the second inoculation, that you are up to 95% protected against contracting life-threatening symptoms from COVID-19. It doesn't mean that you 100% aren't carrying it, which you could inadvertently pass along to others. Until we've reached herd immunity with at least 70% of Utahns (and the country) vaccinated, it's best to continue precautions to keep your family, friends, coworkers, and community safe. We know masks aren't fun unless it's Halloween, but the sooner people get vaccinated, the sooner masks will go away.
Myth:
I've already had COVID-19 and survived, so I'm immune now.
No.
There have been cases where people have had COVID-19 more than once, and there are variants (other strains) of COVID-19 that you could contract. The vaccine gives you up to a 95% chance of preventing that from happening to you again. And we're sure you don't want to go through it twice.
