Covid 19 Vaccines: The Saga, The Myth and the Facts

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illnesses and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention.

 Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill can die at any age. 

The virus can spread from an infected persons mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. These particles range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols. It is important to practice respiratory etiquette, for example by coughing into a flexed elbow, and to stay home and self-isolate until you recover if you feel unwell.

However, WHO has introduced a working solution as a means to prevent people from dying earlier than their appointed time. There is now a vaccine capable of preventing people from contacting Covid-19. Research proved to me that many undermined the vaccine, as such there are different myths and even video to make the vaccine invalid.

I have heard some people especially people from my country people say that the vaccine over time would make us look like robot and as such we will be controlled with a remote. Hush! What a fallacy!

It is in line with this, I write to poise the facts and myths of Covid 19.

Briefly let me say, that no vaccine is 100% effective. Even the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine one of the most powerful disease prevention tools we have is only 96% effective against measles after two doses, while the seasonal flu vaccine is only 45% effective. Therefore I shall list the myths and facts on covid 19 so you could choose

The general Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccine: 

Many people are excited to have vaccines as the first step in managing the spread of coronavirus.But so many are depriving themselves from taking the vaccine based on whoe myths and spiritual ideaolgy given to it. Some of this myths has been vetted and proven to be wrong. Below are the myths and after each myths is the fact.

Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine is unsafe because it was developed so quickly.

Fact: The vaccines are proven safe and effective. Although they were developed in record time, they have gone through the same rigorous Food and Drug Administration process as other vaccines, meeting all safety standards. No steps were skipped. Instead, we can thank the unprecedented worldwide collaboration and investment for the shorter timeframe on the development of the vaccines. The clinical trials and safety reviews actually took about the same amount of time as other vaccines. 

Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine will alter my DNA.

Fact: The first vaccines in use contain messenger RNA (mRNA), which instructs cells to make the spike protein found on the new coronavirus. When the immune system recognizes this protein, it builds an immune response by creating antibodies teaching the body how to protect against future infection. The mRNA never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA (genetic material) is kept. The body gets rid of the mRNA soon after its finished using the instructions. 

Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine includes a tracking device.

Fact: A video shared thousands of times on Facebook makes false claims about the products of syringe maker Apiject Systems of America, which has a contract with the government to provide medical-grade injection devices for vaccines. The company has an optional version of its product that contains a microchip within the syringe label that helps providers confirm a vaccine doses origin. The chip itself is not injected into the person getting the vaccine.

Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine has severe side effects such as allergic reactions.

Fact: Some participants in the vaccine clinical trials did report side effects similar to those experienced with other vaccines, including muscle pain, chills and headache. And although extremely rare, people can have severe allergic reactions to ingredients used in a vaccine. Thats why experts recommend people with a history of severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis to the ingredients of the vaccine should not get the vaccination.

Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine causes infertility in women.

Fact: Misinformation on social media suggests the vaccine trains the body to attack syncytin-1, a protein in the placenta, which could lead to infertility in women. The truth is, there is an amino acid sequence shared between the spike protein and a placental protein; however, experts say its too short to trigger an immune response and therefore doesnt affect fertility. 

Myth: Ive already been diagnosed with COVID-19, so I dont need to receive the vaccine.

Fact: If you have already had COVID-19, there is an evidence that you can still benefit from the vaccine. At this time, experts dont know how long someone is protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. The immunity someone gains from having an infection, called natural immunity, varies from person to person. Some early evidence suggests natural immunity may not last very long.

Myth: Once I receive the COVID-19 vaccine, I no longer need to wear a mask.

Fact: Masking, handwashing and physical distancing remain necessary in public until a sufficient number of people are immune. Fully vaccinated people can meet with other fully vaccinated people without wearing masks.  

Myth: You can get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

Fact: You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine because it does not contain the live virus.

Myth: Once I receive the vaccine, I will test positive for COVID-19.

Fact: Viral tests used to diagnose COVID-19 check samples from the respiratory system for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19. Since there is no live virus in the vaccines, the vaccines will not affect your test result. It is possible to get infected with the virus before the vaccine has had time to fully protect your body. 

Myth: I am not at risk for severe complications of COVID-19 so I dont need the vaccine.

Fact: Regardless of your risk, you can still contract the infection and spread it to others, so its important you get vaccinated. Once the vaccine is widely available, its recommended that as many eligible adults as possible get the vaccine. Its not only to protect you but your family and community as well.

Myth: If I receive the COVID-19 vaccine, I am at a greater risk to become sick from another illness.

Fact: There is no evidence to suggest that getting the vaccine heightens your risk to become sick from another infection such as the flu.

Myth: Certain blood types have less severe COVID-19 infections, so getting a vaccine isnt necessary.

Truth: Research has shown there is no reason to believe being a certain blood type will lead to increased severity of COVID-19. By choosing to get vaccinated, you are protecting not only yourself and your family but your community as well.

I submit with an advise, take the vaccines, do not faith it, do not be deceived by the myths for one thing must kill a man and if you are not destined to die with the intake of the vaccines you wouldn't die.

Name: DEBORAH SHODAMOLA

State code: OS/21A/1828

Discipline: CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

School: OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY

State: Ogun State