6 myths about Covid vaccines debunked | Free Malaysia Today - Free Malaysia Today

It is a fact of life now that the Covid-19 pandemic has turned everyday life on its head and left society in a state that it has never experienced before.

But as with all things disastrous, there is light at the end of the tunnel as an important tool of humanity’s arsenal against the disease has arrived.

Since the 18th century, vaccines have proved to be one of science’s greatest medical discoveries and have saved millions of lives.

For the pandemic to end, around 80% of a country’s population has to be vaccinated to achieve a state called herd immunity, in which too many people are immune to the disease for it to spread.

In Malaysia about 2% of the population are fully vaccinated at present.

However, there is a lot of misinformation on social media about vaccines, causing apprehension and fear among the people about being vaccinated.

Here are seven common myths and the truth, or lack thereof, behind them:

Myth 1: The Covid-19 vaccine affect fertility

One particularly unfounded myth claims that being vaccinated against Covid-19 would cause one to become infertile.

This apparently happens when a mRNA vaccine targets a protein called syncytin-1 in the placenta, causing infertility.

In actuality, no mRNA vaccine does that as syncytin-1 is not found in the coronavirus’ spike protein, and said protein and syncytin-1 is not particularly similar anyway.

Additionally, women have still successfully conceived even after receiving the vaccine, with no evidence for increased miscarriages.

For the record, there is no evidence that increased miscarriages are the side effect of any vaccine.

Myth 2: The Covid-19 vaccine has a secret tracker microchip

A facetious myth belonging to conspiracy theorists speculates that the Covid-19 vaccines secretly contain microchips that track recipients.

Often, Microsoft founder and billionaire, Bill Gates, is accused of a diabolical scheme to implant humanity with chips by orchestrating the pandemic.

Again, there is no evidence for this and the rumours largely took hold when he spoke about a futuristic “digital certificate” that could be used to show who had received the vaccine.

In addition to the technology not existing yet, it is easier to simply track you through your online data, mobile phone usage and personal information.

As it stands, all the vaccine contains is uninteresting bits of genetic material encased in salt, sugar, and fats.

Myth 3: The Covid-19 vaccine was developed hastily

It is possible to accomplish successes without compromising quality, safety and effectiveness as is the case with the Covid-19 vaccines.

While it is true that vaccine development often takes years to progress, scientists were already diligently working on a vaccine as soon as the pandemic took hold.

The development process was thoroughly sped up due to necessary collaboration between scientists, producers and distributors.

Additionally, researchers have long been looking into ways to counter pandemics as they start, given the inevitability of pandemics in human history.

Previous epidemics and pandemics, such as the 2002 SARS outbreaks and the 2012 MERS situation, also gave scientists an advantage in producing a Covid-19 vaccine.

Myth 4: The AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine causes blood clots

At present, the Malaysian public vaccination drive is distributing AstraZeneca vaccines, which has raised concerns about the side effects of blood clots.

There is actually a link between the vaccine and an extremely rare but serious side effect named thrombosis, and another called thrombocytopenia.

Statistics show that the possibility of a vaccinated person suffering these side effects are extremely low, with about five people per million possibly experiencing them.

For context, you are far more likely to be infected with Covid-19 than you are to ever suffer blood clots from the AstraZeneca vaccine.

In any case, if you have any concerns about the personal safety of the vaccine, consult your doctor so you can make an informed decision.

Myth 5: Fit and healthy people don’t need to be vaccinated

It does not matter how many push-ups you do in a day; getting vaccinated will benefit both you and society.

Covid-19 is highly infectious and even a person in the pink of health can get infected, and more alarmingly, spread it to others who might not be as healthy.

In addition, being physically fit does not mean you will be spared the long-term effects of infection.

People who were infected but have since recovered have been found to be still suffering from symptoms, suggesting the long-changing effects of Covid-19.

Ultimately, getting vaccinated is a socially responsible act that has little to no downside and only serves to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Myth 6: The Covid-19 vaccine changes people’s DNA

There is no evidence to suggest that the Covid-19 vaccine can change anyone’s DNA in any form.

The Pfizer and BioNTech Covid-19 vaccines utilise a piece of messenger RNA (mRNA) to teach the cells in your immune system how to fight Covid-19.

Despite their similar sounding names, mRNA and DNA are not the same, with DNA being your very large and long genetic code.

mRNA is a tiny stranded copy of DNA containing instructions for body cells.

DNA is stored in the central nucleus of the cell while mRNA is broken down quickly by the body and never enters the nucleus, thus never touching one’s DNA at all.

Please note that this article (including images) is for information purposes only. It is to promote a broader understanding of various health topics, and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please visit your doctor if you have any health concerns.