By Arthur A. Burley 
COVID-19 vaccines are still one of the most effective tools to combat the current pandemic. A large population of people vaccinated can save lives, reduce transmission, and help to control the current pandemic. While vaccines don’t prevent all infections, they can reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of death in patients. This is even true for the Omicron variant that we are currently facing.
Myth: COVID-19 vaccinations aren’t safe because they were quickly developed and tested.
Fact: CoviD-19 vaccines can be used safely and effectively. These vaccines have been subject to the most rigorous safety monitoring in American history. This is true science and the most brilliant minds in the field. All safety steps were taken in the development of these vaccines. The safety of millions of Americans who have been vaccinated continues to be monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Myth: Because the vaccine isn’t effective against all the variants currently circulating in the U.S.A, I should wait for better vaccines to become available.
Fact: Viruses can mutate at any time. This is another reason why it’s important to get everyone immunized as soon as possible. Boosters are also important if you are eligible. We know that vaccine effectiveness decreases over time. If viruses aren’t spreading and reproducing, they can’t easily become mutated. You can help protect your family members from the spread of the virus by getting your vaccine. Even though the Omicron variant is highly transmissible, we must recognize that people who have been vaccinated may still get infected. However, they are less likely to experience severe symptoms and are at greater risk of death or hospitalization than those who have not.
Myth: I had COVID-19 before I was vaccinated. I am now healthy.
Fact: Because of the serious health risks and the possibility of reinfection, particularly as new variants emerge, it is recommended that you get vaccinated, even if your COVID-19 has been treated. If you’re eligible, the same applies to booster shots. The risk of reinfection being high in the first 90 days after COVID-19 infection is low so that you can delay getting the vaccine. However, it’s possible to get still vaccinated to prevent further infection. You should not be vaccinated if you have COVID-19 symptoms or are currently in quarantine.
Myth: I was exposed to COVID-19 but have not yet caught it, so I do not need to be vaccinated.
Fact: Exposure to the virus might not cause infection. It is known that certain people are more susceptible to infection than others. Even if you have been exposed to COVID-19 in the past, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will not get sick again. Even if you aren’t at increased risk for serious complications, there is no way to predict how COVID-19 might affect you. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family members, as well as high-risk community members.
Myth: The vaccine is not very effective if we continue to need to adhere to safety protocols even after being administered.
Fact: Although COVID-19 vaccines are very effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death, it is still important that precautions are taken. We know that vaccine effectiveness decreases over time. You may also be susceptible to developing an asymptomatic form of COVID-19 after you have been vaccinated. This means that you might spread the virus to others. It would help if you continued to take precautions, such as wearing a mask and practising physical distancing. The best defence against the spread of the virus is combined with COVID-19 vaccination. Follow these recommendations to help you and your family.
Myth: COVID-19 vaccines can cause severe side effects.
Fact: Although some people experience no side effects from the vaccine, others may feel a slight discomfort at the injection site or have headaches, chills, or pain. These reactions are normal and occur as a result of the immune response. They are more common after the second dose. Although a small percentage of people have experienced severe allergic reactions (called “anaphylaxis”) following vaccination, this is uncommon. Vaccination providers have the medicines they need to quickly and effectively treat any such reaction. Although there are some more severe side effects, these are rare and far less common than COVID-19.
Myth: Because the COVID-19 death rate is only 1-2%, I don’t have to get vaccinated against anything with such a high survival rate.
Fact: Many people mistakenly associate COVID-19 with the seasonal flu. However, the actual mortality rate is much higher. Although the mortality rate is only 1% for certain populations, it is much higher in others, particularly older adults. People without any underlying medical conditions have been known to become very sick or even kill themselves from COVID-19.
Next steps
You have the freedom to choose. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions.