Barb Hickner, Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator, recently interviewed Family Health Clinic Nurse Practitioner Jean Herd to debunk myths around the COVID-19 vaccinations. This blog shares some of the information Jean discussed in the video. 

In today’s world, it is important to get your information from credible sources, especially when it comes to something as important as your health and safety. That’s why we have started interviewing our nurse practitioners and health professionals who can give up-to-date, accurate information. 

You can watch the full video here: 

Below, you can find five of the COVID-19 Myths and learn why they’re false!

Myth #1: “I already had COVID-19, so I don’t need a vaccine.”

This is false. Anyone who previously had COVID-19 and recovered should still get the vaccine.

Here’s why — originally, the CDC stated those who had COVID-19 had to wait 90 days to receive the vaccine. That’s because everyone who contracts COVID-19 and recovers has at least 90 days of immunity. Some may have immunity for up to 120 days, but it varies from person to person.

This guideline helped put those without any immunity as the first priority for the vaccine. Additionally, it is possible to contract COVID-19 twice, so it is important to get vaccinated even after you’ve recovered from COVID-19.

It’s also important to note that the Pfizer vaccine gives immunity for at least 6 months, which is a much longer period than the natural immunity.  

Myth #2: “I’m vaccinated so I don’t need to wear mask”

This is false. You should still wear a mask in public spaces to protect yourself and those around you.

Here’s one reason — your body does not have immunity until you are fully vaccinated. It’s also important to note that the vaccine does not prevent you from getting a small case of COVID-19, it just helps you to not become critically ill if you do contract the disease. Right now, we do not have herd immunity as a society, so it’s important to get vaccinated and continue wearing masks.  

However, if you are in a small group of people who are all fully vaccinated, you should be able to gather together without masks.

Myth #3: “The vaccine will cause infertility or miscarriage”

This is false. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology (ACOG) have put out an article on this specific topic.

Here’s what they say — They concluded that pregnant women should get vaccinated, and conducted animal tests, which did not indicate any fertility issues or birth defects. ACOG recommends that pregnant women get vaccinated because they are at high risk of becoming critically ill by contracting COVID-19. 

Myth #4: “I’m going to be tracked if I get the vaccine”

This is false. Unfortunately, a lot of misinformation is spreading on social media, so it’s important to get your information from reliable sources.

Here’s how we know you won’t be tracked by the vaccine — The vaccine is a liquid, there’s nothing that could track someone the way a smart phone or computer does. The CDC, The Indiana State Department of Health, and ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) are all credible sources to get vaccine information.

In ACOG’s instance, they do continue to follow up (via text, email, or calls) with pregnant women who have gotten the vaccine (with permission from the individuals) to track their health through the months and years after they get vaccinated in order to conduct health studies.

As far as safety of the vaccine in the clinic goes, Jean Herd confirms that staff have to sign for the vaccine shipments, which go straight into the freezers; “Everyone guards this stuff like gold, because it is for our country.”

Myth #5: “I’ll get COVID-19 when I get the vaccine”

Nope! You do not contract COVID-19 from the vaccine.

When you get the vaccine, you’ll receive a dead, derived version of the virus. Your body will recognize the derivative of the virus, and produce immunity to the live version of the virus.

Some people may experience an achy arm, stiffness, an upset stomach, or fatigue when getting the vaccine, but this is rare.

The biggest risk factor when getting the vaccine is anaphylaxis, which is an allergic reaction that causes you to stop breathing. The risk factor for this is two in one million people (you’re more likely to get struck by lightning), but the vaccination sites are prepared for this by having those who are vaccinated wait at the clinic for 15 minutes (the most likely time period for this to occur) and keeping epinephrine on hand.

Still have questions about the vaccine? 

It’s understandable to have questions about the vaccines you recieve. We recommend talking to your primary care provider about any concerns you may have. 

Don’t have a primary care provider? The Family Health Clinic is accepting new patients. Call (800) 321-5043 to make an appointment today. 

Interested in making an appointment for your COVID-19 vaccine? You can learn more at https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/vaccine/.