The COVID-19 pandemic has had a hold on society for nearly two years now. With the advent of the COVID-19 vaccine, we’ve been able to get back to some levels of normalcy in society. Although myths and misconceptions have encouraged many to refuse the vaccine, which has led to the appearance of variants and made it difficult to completely lift regulations to get back to life as it was before. At Sage Medical, our team of primary care physicians in Scottsdale encourages seniors to get the vaccine and has put together a list of myths to help ease your mind about getting vaccinated.

Myth: I’ve had COVID-19; I don’t need the vaccine.

Not everyone who contracts COVID will have antibodies afterward. Even those with antibodies continue to be at risk of contracting COVID and spreading it to others within the community. What’s more, there aren’t substantial indications about how long those who have been infected are protected. The vaccine provides long-term protection against COVID and contributes to creating herd immunity, which provides a high level of immunity for those who aren’t able to get vaccinated.

Myth: I’ll get COVID-19 by getting the vaccine.

The concern of contracting COVID-19 by getting the vaccine is similar to many people’s fears about getting the flu vaccine. However, this is untrue for both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. While the flu vaccine is made using a weakened version of a live influenza virus, the same is not true for the COVID vaccine. Instead, it uses mRNA to provide your immune system with a sample of the coding that will be detected with a live COVID-19 virus. The mRNA provides enough information for your immune system to know what it’s up against in the actual virus so it can elicit an immune response.

Myth: Vaccine side effects are dangerous.

There are several things to consider when weighing your options of side effects of a vaccine against the signs and symptoms of contracting COVID. A mild fever, pain at the vaccination site, tiredness, headache, and muscle pain are common side effects of getting the COVID vaccine. While it’s true that some individuals can contract COVID without ever showing any symptoms, others have severe symptoms that include temporary loss of smell and taste, breathing problems, and even die.

Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine became available too fast to be safe.

The COVID vaccine did become available quickly, which has played a significant role in our ability to get back to life to some degree. One reason that the vaccine was available to the public so quickly was that the technology with mRNA vaccines used to create it had already been in development for nearly 20 years and has been studied for use with Zika, Rabies, and other illnesses. Additionally, Chinese scientists were also able to sequence the genetic information of COVID-19 to be used in vaccines.

Myth: My natural immunity is better than the vaccine.

One aspect of COVID that’s important for everyone to remember is that it’s not only the immunocompromised or those with chronic medical conditions who get gravely ill with COVID-19. You’re probably generally healthy and have a strong immune system, but it’s important to consider your role in the community. Others around you might not be physically able to get the vaccine because they have a medical condition that prevents them from doing so. By getting the COVID-19 vaccine, you’re doing a service to others in your community by contributing to herd immunity.

Contact us to learn more.

Get in touch with a primary care physician in Scottsdale who’s a part of our Sage Medical team today to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine. We can provide you with additional information regarding myths and misconceptions that can help to put your mind at ease with getting vaccinated. Call today at 480-418-6985 or send a message using our online contact form to speak with a member of our staff.