Fact:

Traditional vaccines take longer to produce and have not proven very successful against challenging viruses, such as HIV, and in rapid viral outbreak situations like the Ebola epidemic. Researchers have been studying and working with mRNA vaccines for decades, according to the CDC. The technology to develop mRNA vaccines has been used in cancer treatment research and in studies for influenza, rabies, and Zika virus. These vaccines can be created in less time and are more versatile. Thus, significant resources were directed toward the development of effective mRNA vaccines to expedite the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To be granted emergency use authorization, the FDA must determine that the known and potential benefits outweigh the known and potential risks of the vaccine. Additionally, specific research, safety and success criteria must be met followed by FDA evaluation of the quality and consistency of the vaccine.

Fact:

Messenger RNA cannot alter or interact with the body’s DNA, according to the CDC. It does not enter the part of the cells where genetic material is stored.

Fact:

There are unfounded claims circulating on social media that COVID-19 vaccination can negatively impact female fertility and even lead to pregnancy miscarriages. The claims stem from a mischaracterized link between the proteins that cover the surface of the virus’ outer envelope and the protein in the human placenta.

The protein syncitin-1 is critical for the placenta to remain attached to the uterus and act as the source of nutrition and blood supply to a fetus during pregnancy. Although syncitin-1 shares similar features to the protein covering the COVID-19 virus, they are not related. The antibodies produced by vaccination will not recognize and block syncitin-1.

Furthermore, recommendations from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine cite pregnancy as a potential risk factor for severe COVID-19 infection. The organization advises that women who are planning to conceive, currently pregnant or who are lactating not be excluded from vaccination.

Fact:

Research is ongoing and there is not enough information yet to know how long natural immunity after an infection lasts. Evidence suggests natural immunity from a COVID-19 infection may not be long-term. Although rare, cases of subsequent infections have been reported. Conversely, Moderna recently announced that immunity produced by its vaccine could last at least a year.

Fact:

The Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines do not cause positive viral antigen test results. These tests are used to determine a current infection. Due to its creation of antibodies to fight a future COVID-19 infection, vaccination may cause a positive antibody test. These tests can be used to predict the likelihood of a previous infection.

Fact

The Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines have been shown to have short-term mild or moderate side effects that go away without causing injuries. Some of the common side effects reported from both the vaccines’ trials are flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, headache, and muscle and joint paint. There may also be redness and swelling at the injection site. These side effects normally last for a few days.

Fact:

The CDC recommends that people with a history of severe allergic reactions not related to vaccines or injectable medications—such as foods, pets, insect venom, environmental, or latex allergies— get vaccinated. People with a history of allergies to oral medications or a family history of severe allergic reactions may also get vaccinated.

While both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines have been deemed safe and effective, some cases of severe allergic reactions have been reported. According to CDC monitoring during Dec. 14-23, 2020, there were 21 cases of anaphylaxis reported after the administration of 1,893,360 first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (11.1 cases per million doses).

Although the number of reported cases is small, it is advisable that people prone to allergies consult their allergist or immunologist before getting either vaccine. A person should be evaluated to determine whether they can safely receive the vaccine if:

• They have had an immediate allergic reaction of any severity to a previous dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or any of its components.
• They have had a severe allergic reaction to any vaccine or injectable therapy.
• They have a history of anaphylaxis for unknown reasons.

The CDC does not recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for the following individuals:

• People who are allergic to polyethylene glycol (PEG).
• People who are allergic to polysorbate. This recommendation is based on the potential allergic cross-reactivity with the vaccine component polyethylene glycol (PEG).

Fact:

Vaccination does not mean precautions, like wearing face masks and social distancing, are no longer needed. However, vaccination combined with these measures cuts off opportunities for COVID-19 to find a way to thrive and spread to others.