The Corona Virus has caused so much heartbreak across the world that there are really no comparisons that can be made to any other modern disease. The death toll, the number of people with long-term symptoms, and the incalculable loss of jobs and livelihoods will leave a lasting mark across the globe. Just a few months ago, many of us were wondering if we were ever going to be able to return to a state resembling normality, but the development of effective vaccines has created a light at the end of the tunnel. With the rollout of the vaccines already underway, it may be your turn soon, so it is really important that you understand exactly what the vaccine is and how it works.
To help everyone feel safe and confident here is how to prepare yourself before getting a Covid-19 vaccine.
1. There Are No Major Side Effects
Another lie that is being spread by anti-vaxxers and conspiracy theories is that vaccines can cause serious side effects. When it comes to vaccine development, safety is a top priority and during the trials of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, there were no side effects at all. Since the rollout, there have been only three cases of an allergic reaction that were easily treatable on the spot. There may be some mild side effects like a sore arm or a slight fever, but these will only last a few days.
2. The Covid-19 Vaccines Carry a Trace of the Virus’s Genetic Code
There have been a lot of rumors amongst conspiracy theorists that the vaccine is actually a way to give you the virus, but this is a misunderstanding of how vaccines work. All vaccines carry a fragment of the genetic makeup of the virus; they are designed to treat, in the same way, that antidotes are made from the venom or poison against which they are effective. The vaccine will not give you Covid-19, nor will it change or affect your DNA in any way, which is another rumor which is being propagated.
3. No Human Cells Were Used to Produce the Vaccines
The use of human cells in testing is a point of contention for many people and it is one reason why many people are saying they don’t want to get the Covid-19 vaccine. In fact, neither the Pfizer vaccine nor the Moderna vaccine used any human cells at all in their development. Some people have gone as far to say that the vaccine was tested on unborn fetuses but this is complete fiction.
4. You May Still be able to Carry the Virus
Even after you have received the vaccine, you will still need to follow the basic safety rules such as wearing a mask, washing your hands regularly, and maintaining social distance. This is because scientists have not yet had the opportunity to test whether people who are immune to the effects of the virus are still able to carry it. Usually, with a virus, you would not be able to, but as Covid-19 is a novel virus about which there is so much we don’t know, it is vital to protect others until scientists can be sure of the majority of the population is vaccinated.
5. The Vaccines are Highly Effective
Whilst the process of vaccine development has, of course, been sped up by the sheer number of people working on it, to get the vaccines ready so quickly shows the genius of modern science. The CoronaVirus is almost uniquely contagious, but it hasn’t proven to be particularly difficult for scientists to develop vaccines. Both the Pfizer and the Moderna vaccine are between 94 and 95% effective at preventing symptoms of the virus. As noted above, it may still be possible for asymptomatic infections to occur, and these may still be transmissible, so make sure that you stay vigilant even after your vaccine appointments.
6. Mass Vaccination is the Only Way Forward
The last thing which it is vital to understand is that vaccinating the majority of the global population is the only real solution to the pandemic. It is everyone’s responsibility to get the vaccination when it is their turn in order to keep everyone in the world safe. We have all been affected by the virus in one way or another, and this is the only way out of the mess it has caused.
The CoronaVirus Pandemic has caused so much trauma that it seemed for a while there would never be a way out of the nightmare. With so much conflicting information and outright lies on the Internet and elsewhere, it is really important that people get the right information about what getting a vaccine entails. If you are worried at all about your upcoming vaccination, speak to a healthcare advisor, or learn more from reputable sources.