The Sunday Mail
Myth: The Covid-19 vaccine can affect women’s fertility.
Fact: The Covid-19 vaccine will not affect fertility. The Covid-19 vaccine encourages the body to create copies of the spike protein found on the coronavirus’s surface.
This teaches the body’s immune system to fight the virus that has that specific spike protein on it.
Confusion arose when a false report claimed that the spike protein on this coronavirus was the same as another spike protein called syncitin-1 that is involved in the growth and attachment of the placenta during pregnancy.
The false report said that getting the Covid-19 vaccine would cause a woman’s body to fight this different spike protein and affect her fertility.
The two spike proteins are completely different and distinct, and getting the Covid-19 vaccine will not affect the fertility of women.
Myth: Researchers rushed the development of the Covid-19 vaccine, so its effectiveness and safety cannot be trusted.
Fact: Studies found that most vaccines approved by WHO have at least 85 percent effectiveness and reported no serious or life-threatening side effects.
Myth: There is no need for mask wearing and social distancing after receiving Covid-19 vaccination.
Fact: Everyone must remain cautious and continue to wear masks, practice social distancing and observe enhanced hygiene routines.
While vaccines are effective, they do not stop every case of Covid-19 infection and transmission, so these precautionary measures continue to be important.
Myth: People with underlying conditions should not be vaccinated.
Fact: Some people are not recommended to receive the vaccine.
However, there are many conditions which do not preclude you from being vaccinated.
Local health authority guidelines should be followed in determining medical eligibility, along with speaking to your doctor for an individual recommendation.
Myth: Covid-19 vaccines are not effective against the new variants.
Fact: Experts are watching this very carefully. If a change in vaccine needs to be made, the vaccines can be quickly adjusted for new strains, in a similar way that flu vaccines are adjusted each year.
It is important to be immunised as soon as possible when the vaccine is offered to you and continue to practice preventive measures to break the chain of infection.
Myth: If you have already had Covid-19, you don’t need a vaccine.
Fact: People who have been sick with Covid-19 may still benefit from getting vaccinated.
Due to the severe health risks associated with the disease and the fact that re-infection is possible, people may be advised to get a Covid-19 vaccine even if they have been sick before.
Myth: The Covid-19 vaccine enters your cells and changes your DNA.
Fact: The Covid-19 vaccines are designed to help your body’s immune system fight the coronavirus. — Online sources.
