BOSTON — More than one million vaccine doses have already been administered in Massachusetts, but there are still many misconceptions about vaccines.
From their safety to their effectiveness, some people remain skeptical. Even as we are now a couple of months into the vaccine rollout, doctors say they are constantly having to clear up misconceptions with patients.
“I think when people hear the mRNA vaccines, they immediately think there’s something going to be inserted in their cells,” said Dothouse Health’s infectious disease doctor Julita Mir.
Mir, who is also the chief medical officer of the Community Care Cooperative, says the number one misconception she hears is that the Messenger RNA vaccine can alter or interact with your DNA.
“That is false,” said Dedham resident Patrick Loughran. “Is there a prize?”
The prize here is knowing you are right. Doctors say the mRNA vaccine teaches your immune system to recognize and fight COVID-19 but never enters the nucleus of a cell where DNA is kept.
That brings us to misconception number two: the vaccine injects the COVID-19 live virus into your body.
“I think it does because I got sick after it when I got the vaccine,” said Dedham resident Olive Samuels. “I have symptoms. It was for a few days and I was fine.”
“This is false,” said Dr. Mir. “It’s not a live virus. There are vaccines that are live. This is not a live vaccine.”
Doctors say the mRNA technology can cause symptoms, but that’s proof the vaccine is working.
Misconception number three: the vaccine will stop you from getting and spreading COVID-19.
“From everything that I’ve read and heard is that you still can be a spreader with the vaccine,” said Dedham resident Rafael Martinez.
This was a trick question. Doctors say this is mostly true.
Both vaccines are very effective at preventing symptoms even if you do get COVID-19, but spreading the virus, well that’s still a little fuzzy.
“That’s a great question. The answer is not clear,” said Dr. Mir. “We think that the data will show that people who are vaccinated have lower chances of spreading the disease.”
Misconception number four: the vaccine stops you from getting pregnant. Also false.
“There’s no evidence that these vaccines will alter the capabilities of getting pregnant,” said Dr. Mir. “Now in terms of what are the consequences of vaccinating a pregnant woman or a small child, that data is not available yet. The studies did not include intentionally pregnant women and certainly didn’t include children, but those are studies that will happen.
Misconception number five: testing positive for COVID-19 means you can skip the vaccine. That is also false. The CDC recommends vaccination regardless since there have been people who’ve gotten COVID-19 twice.
Misconception number six: I can travel after getting the vaccine. Doctors say, first of all, you are not fully vaccinated until weeks after you receive a second dose. Even then, there is still a chance of spreading it, so you should still wear masks and practice COVID-19 protocols by minimize traveling. Dr. Mir says you can book flights for down the road, just know that is risky because you don’t know what restrictions there will be in a few months.
Misconception number seven: The vaccines were released so fast, they are unsafe.
Dr. Benjamin Barlow, Chief Medical Officer of American Family Care says this is also false. “The vaccines being used have gone through rigorous studies to ensure they are as safe as possible. The CDC requires clinical trials for all vaccines before they can be authorized for use and the potential benefits of a vaccine must outweigh the potential risks before the CDC gives approval.”
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