Page 13 - LRCC March 2021 Focus

MYTHS AND FACTS:

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COVID-19 VACCINES

Reinforcements in the fight against COVID-19 have arrived in the form of safe and effective vaccines distributed across the United States.
While these vaccines represent a turning point in the ongoing effort to save lives from this pandemic, many myths exist about the vaccines,
side effects, and what you should do after you’re vaccinated.

With that in mind, the experts at McLaren Greater Lansing provide answers to some common misconceptions about COVID-19
vaccinations to help you know the facts.

MYTH: COVID-19 VACCINES WERE DEVELOPED MYTH: THE SIDE EFFECTS FROM THE VACCINE ARE
USING UNTESTED OR UNTRUSTWORTHY DANGEROUS.
TECHNOLOGY.
FACT: “The flu-like effects that can come from COVID-19 vaccines
FACT: “The vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna use mRNA are a sign that your body’s immune system is responding and building your
technology, and although it’s a newer technology, it’s been in protection against the virus,” said Dr. Peterson. “Allergic reactions have been
development and testing for more than a decade,” said Dr. Linda reported in extremely rare cases. Talking to your doctor can help you address
Peterson, McLaren Greater Lansing Chief Medical Officer. “Vaccines any concerns you may have.”
were tested, trialed, and deemed safe and effective before being granted
emergency use by the FDA.” MYTH: YOU DON’T NEED THE VACCINE IF YOU’VE
HAD COVID-19.
MYTH: THE VACCINE WILL GIVE YOU COVID-19.
FACT: Those who have recovered from COVID-19 do have natural
FACT: While some vaccines for certain viruses contain that immunity, but experts don’t yet know exactly how long that natural immunity
specific virus in a dead or weakened state to elicit an immune lasts. There have been many recorded cases of people becoming infected
response, the leading COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer and Modern) use with COVID-19 more than once, and the Centers for Disease Control
mRNA technology, which does not contain the virus, nor does it and Prevention recommends vaccines for those who have recovered from
cause infection. COVID-19.

MYTH: THE VACCINE WILL ALTER YOUR DNA. MYTH: YOU DON’T HAVE TO WEAR A MASK OR
SOCIALLY DISTANCE AFTER GETTING VACCINATED.
FACT: The mRNA in the vaccines does not integrate with the
body’s DNA. The mRNA vaccines cause the body’s cells to create FACT: While the vaccine has been shown to be effective against
only spike proteins used by the coronavirus to infect healthy cells, but infection and becoming sick from COVID-19, experts don’t yet know if being
not the coronavirus itself. This is what triggers an immune response, vaccinated can prevent you from spreading COVID-19 to others. Because of
training your body to defend against the virus. this, you should continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing and hand
hygiene, and avoid large gatherings, even after being vaccinated.

MEALS FOR HEROES

Meals for Heroes is a voluntary program in partnership with the Ingham
County Health Department that provides box lunches and snacks to
workers and volunteers administering the COVID-19 vaccine at the
MSU Pavilion. A special thank you to these Lansing Regional Chamber
members who stepped up to feed our heroes!

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