COVID-19 Vaccine Facts and Myths | Myerlee Pharmacy
1. Vaccines
- The COVID-19 vaccines from Johnson & Johnson and Moderna were created with a method that has been in development for years, so the companies could start the vaccine development process early in the pandemic.
- Vaccine developers didn’t skip any testing steps but conducted some of the steps on an overlapping schedule to gather data faster.
- Vaccine projects had plenty of resources, as governments invested in research and/or paid for vaccines in advance.
- Some types of COVID-19 vaccines were created using messenger RNA (mRNA), which allows a faster approach than the traditional way that vaccines are made.
- Social media helped companies find and engage study volunteers who were willing to help with COVID-19 vaccine research.
- Because COVID-19 is so contagious and widespread, it did not take long to see if the vaccine worked for the study volunteers who were vaccinated.
- Companies began making vaccines early in the process — even before FDA authorization — so some supplies were ready when authorization occurred.
FACT: The COVID-19 vaccines currently in use have all been through rigorous testing and approval procedures to ensure they are safe and effective.
FACT: People who have gotten sick with COVID-19 may still benefit from getting vaccinated. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, people may be advised to get a COVID-19 vaccine even if they have already been sick with COVID-19.
2. Symptoms and Severity
MYTH: You can always tell if someone has COVID-19.
FACT: The virus that causes COVID-19 can be in the body for up to 14 days before symptoms appear. Some people will have such mild cases of COVID-19 that they might not have any symptoms.
3. Risks
FACT: Anyone can get COVID-19, regardless of demographics. COVID-19 has affected people from all over the world, including people of all backgrounds, races, ages, and financial statuses.
MYTH: COVID-19 only affects the elderly.
FACT: While COVID-19 can be more dangerous in older people, anyone can contract it including young people, some of whom become seriously ill. While we don’t yet fully understand why some people suffer more serious symptoms, we do know that young people with certain underlying health conditions including obesity, diabetes, cancer, or high blood pressure are more likely to develop serious symptoms.
FACT: The COVID-19 vaccine will not affect fertility. The truth is that the COVID-19 vaccine encourages the body to create copies of the spike protein found on the coronavirus’s surface. This “teaches” the body’s immune system to fight the virus that has the specific spike protein on it.
4. Prevention, Treatment, and Cures
FACT: There’s currently no evidence that antimalarial drugs treat or prevent COVID. The main clinical trial searching for effective COVID-19 treatment with the anti-malarial drug, hydroxychloroquine concluded after it found no evidence linking the drug to faster recoveries or ventilation and death prevention.
FACT: There is no drink, hot or cold, that will protect against or cures coronavirus. Most people who get COVID-19 recover by themselves. Taking paracetamol, drinking increased liquids and resting helps manage symptoms.
FACT: Drinking alcohol doesn’t cure or prevent COVID-19. In fact, drinking alcohol can weaken the immune system. It’s recommended that adults limit alcohol intake to stay healthy. Drinking high-strength ethanol found in some cleaning products will not protect you from COVID-19 and instead could cause disability or death.
COVID-19 vaccines are now available at Myerlee Pharmacy in Fort Myers, Florida. Those under 18 require a guardian's consent. Walk-up vaccinations will also be administered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Available dates and times vary by location.
AVAILABLE COVID VACCINES
- J&J Vaccine
- Moderna Vaccine