APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – COVID-19 vaccine myths have run rampant, since the first vaccine came out. But doctors say, the reasons for not getting vaccinated don’t hold up, and debunk a lot of those theories.
From changing your DNA…
“That is not true. There’s no component of the vaccine, or any of its ingredients that goes near your DNA, interacts with your DNA, changes your DNA,” said ThedaCare chief medical officer Dr. Jennifer Frank. “It’s impossible for that to happen.”
To containing microchips,
“I think the microchip one is pretty ridiculous,” Dr. Michael Landrum, Bellin Health’s infectious disease specialist said. “There’s just no way that there’s some little microprocessor, I mean, if you look at the vial, it’s just a small vial of clear fluid, and there’s no way that there’s any little microscopic chip, or anything in there. And why would the government want to do that, anyway?”
You name it, there’s a COVID-19 vaccine myth out there.
“I’ve heard things, like there are tracking devices that are put in the vaccine, and that it hasn’t been tested properly, that there should be like five years-worth of testing,” said Barbara Lemke of Darboy.
Suspicions surrounding how quickly the COVID-19 vaccine was developed and its effectiveness were one of the first things doctors heard.
“Probably, with the fact that it’s like an ‘emergency’ production of the vaccine, that it’s not safe because of that,” Alex Piester of Appleton said, when asked which vaccine myths she’s heard.
But, Landrum tells FOX 11 in actuality, it had been in the works for years.
“People need to realize and understand that scientists have been working with MRNA vaccines for many years – 10/15 years – looking at them for influenza and other kinds of applications. They just hadn’t made it all the way out to full-use in the general population, prior to this yet.”
The most recent misconceptions about the vaccine are that it can give you COVID and affect your fertility.
Doctors tell FOX 11 those don’t hold water, either.
“What we know is that there’s no impact to current or future fertility,” said Frank. “In fact, they appear to be safe and effective even in pregnant women, which has been studied.”
While there are many myths about the COVID-19 vaccine, some suggest doing your research before making your mind up.
“Anytime something new comes out, or you’re not sure about information or something, it’s so important to research and look at it from multiple sources, Piester said.
Physicians say, all of this false information circulating about the vaccine can make people hesitant to get it.
But they also say, getting vaccinated is the only way out of this pandemic.
“Go get vaccinated, so we can all be safe!” said Lemke.
Doctors recommend reaching out to credible sources, like your family physician, if you have any concerns or questions about the COVID-19 vaccine.
