Myth: COVID-19 vaccines will alter my DNA
Fact: Among the first COVID-19 vaccines to reach the market are messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. According to the CDC, mRNA vaccines work by instructing cells in the body how to make a protein that triggers an immune response. Injecting mRNA into your body will not interact or do anything to the DNA of your cells. Human cells break down and get rid of the mRNA soon after they have finished using the instructions.
In fact, the mRNA will not even reach the cell’s nucleus, which is where our DNA is housed.
Myth: People who have had COVID-19 do not need the vaccine
Fact: Even people who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the past should be vaccinated. According to the CDC: “Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that reinfection with COVID-19 is possible, [a] vaccine should be offered to you regardless of whether you already had [a SARS-CoV-2] infection.”
Myth: High COVID-19 recovery rate makes vaccination unnecessary
Fact: Most people who get COVID-19 do recover, but many develop severe symptoms and die, so vaccination protects those who might suffer the coronavirus’ fatal impact.
More than 1400 people have died in Zimbabwe, and over 2.4 million globally. Experts believe many who have recovered from the disease will suffer long-term health problems.
So, even if contracting COVID-19 does not make you sick, getting vaccinated will protect those around you who might suffer severe complications or even death.
Widespread vaccination protects populations, including those who are most at risk and those who can’t be vaccinated. It will be important for ending the pandemic.
Myth: COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility
Fact: COVID-19 vaccines do not cause infertility. However, health experts warn that COVID-19 can have serious implications on pregnant women, who typically experience changes to their immune systems that can make them more vulnerable to respiratory viruses.
According to a September 2020 report by the CDC, pregnant women with COVID-19 were found to be more likely to be hospitalized and require ICU admission than non-pregnant women.
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