The truth about coronavirus vaccines - 8 myths busted!

The COVID-19 pandemic has induced economic slowdowns, mass hoarding of goods, lockdowns, and very naturally - a series of conspiracy theories. As Pfizer and Moderna begin rolling out their vaccines, many remain sceptical of shots. Are the jabs safe? Were the vaccines rushed? Could there be serious side effects? We answer these and more in our comprehensive vaccine myth buster list below!

Covid vaccine

The new technology requires only the genetic coding of the virus, which was available as soon as the virus was identified. It is the most advanced form of vaccination, and does not in fact even contain the virus. It simply replicates the conditions required for the virus to flourish, what it looks like, and then ways to kill it - which then immunises people against it.

Vaccines do not generate a lot of money for Pharma companies, as opposed to common belief. This is why the US government had to incentivise companies and pay billions before official production for companies to take up clinical trials.

The data was monitored by US Food and Drug Administration scientists seven days a week. In addition, companies were required to share the results with Data and Safety Monitoring Boards in the US. Besides this, the FDA submitted its findings to the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, a non-government body of experts who then reviewed the data.

A file photo of a vaccine.

Both the vaccines use genetic material, but they don’t change the DNA of any human being. In fact, the vaccines use RNA, which does not stick around in the body. As mentioned in myth buster #2, the vaccine does not even carry the virus.

Vaccine

Yes, it is very much real. Don’t let your guard down - mask up, sanitise, and steer clear of gatherings. If you don’t, it will begin to feel lesser of a conspiracy theory, and more like a virus which has killed people across the globe.