Vaccine Myths + Healthy Practices
Debunking COVID-19 vaccine myths and emphasizing good hygiene.
My intention for creating this newsletter was to share reliable information about public health and better the health of my community by creating easy access to important health practices and research. I will continue to stick with these goals in the new year by emphasizing the significance of science and medicine that will ultimately help us end this pandemic. Feel free to share this newsletter to friends or family you know who will benefit from this knowledge.
In my previous newsletter, I discussed the vaccine process for both Pfizer and Moderna. Check it out here.
I would like to address some concerns, questions, and misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccines that I’ve come across online or through conversations with family and friends.
MYTH: The vaccine process was rushed, therefore the vaccines are not safe.
Fact: The Food and Drug Administration closely monitored the vaccine trials and research of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The research conducted suggests that these vaccines are safe and 95% effective with very little side effects. The FDA also has very strict guidelines that must be met and followed for any medical product to be used for the public. In addition, because of the dire need for these vaccines to come out, scientists and researchers did not have to wait long for funding and data to be reviewed/approved as all of that was being done during real-time.
MYTH: The vaccine may cause COVID-19 illness.
Fact: The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines do not have the weakened strain or dead part of the coronavirus, therefore it is impossible to acquire COVID-19 from them. Instead, it contains genetic material (mRNA) that instructs the body to create the spike proteins that are on the outside of SARS-CoV-2, triggering an immune response. Check out my previous newsletter to read more about the process of both Moderna and Pfizer’s vaccine here.
MYTH: The vaccine will not work against the new mutation.
Fact: Viruses are known to mutate—this is no surprise to experts. As any virus moves through a population, it evolves and undergoes small changes. Scientists, doctors, and virologists are optimistic that this new mutation will not impact the vaccine efficacy and protection. However, if there are enough mutations within the next year, scientists will need to modify the vaccine to keep them efficient and updated. This is not something uncommon, as each year the flu vaccine is modified to ensure it remains effective.
MYTH: If I receive the COVID-19 vaccine, I do not have to wear a mask.
Fact: You still need to wear a mask and utilize all resources available to end this pandemic. The goal is for 70% of Americans to be vaccinated in order to reach herd immunity. I’ll do the math for you—that’s about 230 million Americans. This will take time to produce, distribute, and administer all those doses. Keep in mind that Pfizer and Moderna are two-dose vaccines, so double the amount of doses are needed.
I’ve also been hearing a lot about how COVID-19’s mortality rate is only 1% and receiving a vaccine is not needed because “it is very rare to die from a disease with such a high survival rate.” This 1% mortality rate is 10 times more deadly than the seasonal flu. The mortality rate can vary widely across all populations and is dependent on age, sex, and underlying health condition. Yes, there have been side effects from the vaccines being reported, but this is a sign of the immune system responding. These reactions are common with any type of vaccine and are not life threatening or dangerous. It’s important to remember that receiving the vaccine is not just to prevent getting ill from COVID-19, it is also necessary to prevent the wide spread of it and long term negative health impacts. Indeed, the benefits outweigh the risks.
Vaccines are truly under appreciated technology that have revolutionized modern medicine. Infectious diseases, like smallpox, polio, whooping cough, ravaged populations across the world in the early 15th century. These contagious diseases spread quickly through communities; children were incredibly vulnerable. At the start of the 20th century, scientists created vaccinations for 27 major infectious diseases and illnesses like smallpox and malaria were virtually eliminated. Smallpox and rinderpest are the only diseases in the world declared officially eradicated by the World Health Organization.
U-M’s Unique History with Vaccines
The University of Michigan played a special role in the 1950s with the announcement of a “safe, effective, and potent” vaccine for polio. Polio is a virus that can cause paralysis through contaminated water, food, or contact with an infected person. In the early 20th century, polio outbreaks were common and one led to the paralysis of future president Franklin D. Roosevelt. It is now easily preventable through a vaccine. U-M led an astounding clinical trial and conducted research for decades that led to the first approved vaccine for polio.
Healthy Practices to Remember
I know these guidelines have been plastered everywhere and may seem like common sense, but I would like to reiterate them once more as a reminder to continue practicing, even though there is a vaccine rolling out.
frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; if soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol
This one is hard to remember but super important! Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
practice respiratory etiquette— cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
STAY HOME IF SICK
wear a mask and continue to social distance; new reports have surfaced that using masks will not be as effective if social distancing is not maintained.
Suggested Reading
If you are still confused on why masks matter, check out this article from the University of California - San Francisco here.
Interested in the doctor who created and developed the first successful polio vaccine? Check out his story here.
Read more about the newly found COVID-19 variant, B.1.1.7, here.
Happy new year everyone! I hope 2021 brings us a positive year filled with good health and joy. May we look back on this difficult year with energy to emerge stronger and rely on each other to fight and end this pandemic.
To read this newsletter in Spanish, click here.
If you have any questions, want to suggest topics for me to research and discuss, or looking for a friend to talk, email me at reemlfawaz@gmail.com.