MYTH VS FACT
Myth: I don’t need the COVID-19 vaccine if I have already recovered from COVID-19
Fact: People who have recovered from COVID-19 may still benefit from receiving the vaccine. There is not enough information available at this time to know how long someone is protected after recovering from COVID-19 and because reinfection is possible, some people may be advised to get the vaccine even if they’ve been infected previously.
Myth: After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, I can stop wearing a mask and practicing social distancing
Fact: While the vaccine may prevent you from getting sick, it is still unknown at this time if you can still carry and transmit the virus to others and it may take time for everyone who wants the vaccine to receive it. Because of this, it is important that you still continue to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine will infect me with the virus
Fact: None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently in use or development in the US use the live virus that causes COVID-19 and will not give you COVID-19. If you develop COVID-19 shortly after receiving the vaccine it is likely that you were infected before receiving the vaccine or shortly after as it takes a few weeks for the vaccine to become effective.
Myth: the COVID-19 vaccine is not safe because it was developed and tested too rapidly
Fact: The FDA has rigorous scientific and regulatory processes to ensure quality as well as facilitate development of safe and effective vaccines.
Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine will alter my DNA
Fact: The COVID-19 vaccines currently on the market are messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. These work by instructing cells in your body to make a harmless protein that will trigger an immune response when you come into contact with COVID-19. Injecting mRNA does not alter your DNA.
Sources:
https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov/covid-19-vaccine-information.html