In late December, the world experienced a breakthrough in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In the United States and in other countries, vaccines received emergency approval, allowing them to be distributed.
While it’s an exciting moment in addressing COVID-19, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there. We want you to know the facts. The faster we all learn these truths, the faster we can put COVID-19 behind us.
Do the COVID-19 Vaccines Interfere With My DNA?
No. The vaccines do not interfere with your DNA. While the first two COVID-19 vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are what are known as “mRNA vaccines,” mRNA is a different entity than DNA. These “messenger” RNA cells simply communicate with your body’s cells—they do not interfere or interact with your DNA.
What’s in the COVID-19 Vaccines?
The primary ingredient in each of the two FDA-approved vaccines is mRNA. The other ingredients depend on the brand of the vaccine. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine contains lipids, salts and sugar, while the Moderna vaccine contains lipids, acids, acid stabilizers, salts and sugar.
Can the COVID-19 Vaccines Give Me COVID-19?
No. The COVID-19 vaccines cannot give you COVID-19. The FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines work differently than standard vaccines, which inject a small amount of inactivated virus to stimulate the immune system. However, the mRNA vaccines do not contain the coronavirus and they cannot make you sick with COVID-19.
What Side Effects Do the COVID-19 Vaccines Cause?
Every person reacts differently to vaccinations of all kinds, and the COVID-19 vaccine is no different. Some people who receive a COVID-19 vaccine experience side effects common with vaccinations, including pain and swelling at the injection site, possibly along with fever, chills, fatigue and headache.
How Safe Is It To Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that all the COVID-19 vaccines being used were rigorously studied to ensure their safety. While there is a risk of experiencing an allergic reaction for some people, primarily for people with a history of severe allergic reactions, the risk is limited.
Should I Get the COVID-19 Vaccine During Pregnancy?
The CDC indicates that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available to them may choose to be vaccinated. Talk with your medical provider about what’s right for you.
Do the COVID-19 Vaccines Protect Against the Newest Strains of the Coronavirus?
Some studies found that the COVID-19 vaccines provide protection against newer strains of the coronavirus. In addition, researchers are looking at adjusting the existing vaccines to promote additional protection moving forward.
