The Truth About the COVID Vaccine
There is a light at the end of the pandemic tunnel and that is the progress being made of the COVID vaccine rollout – at the writing of this article, over a full half of American adults have been vaccinated. Rollout – at least in the United States – no longer seems to be the main issue. We are now dealing with a new chapter, and that is one of trying to build up vaccine confidence.
Many are hesitant to get the vaccine as they cite a variety of reasons: some of governmental control and rights, whereas others are nervous that the vaccine was developed in seemingly record time.
It’s important to separate the facts from the myths. Let’s explore some of the more common myths below and expand COVID vaccine facts:
How Was The COVID-19 Vaccine Developed So Quickly?
Yes, it’s true that vaccines typically take 10-15 years to develop. Prior to the COVID vaccines, the measles (3 years) and mumps (4 years) were the fastest on record. However, the COVID-19 vaccines were able to roll out faster than ever before as they had been built on previous research from prior coronaviruses. This was a global scientific effort where scientists around the world were collaborating and data sharing. Also important was the governmental fast-tracking of clinical trials and vaccine approvals.
Are Fast Tracked Vaccines Considered to be Safe?
A lot of vaccine hesitancy comes from this question. Consider this: the COVID-19 vaccines were put through standard clinical trials, including laboratory trials. Although fast tracked, only 7% of vaccines in preclinical studies succeed and clinical trials have a success rate of 20%. Despite the facts, the misinformation about the COVID vaccine is rampant and continues to be a problem. A full 3 in 4 Americans believe that misinformation is the biggest obstacle we face today.
Overall Vaccine Myths
Vaccine trust isn’t new – misinformation and myths have been spread for some time now – one of the most popular myths being that vaccines cause autism. This has repeatedly been disproven.It has also been proven that vaccines do not weaken the immune system.
Why Do We Need Multiple Vaccines?
By researching multiple vaccines at once, it enabled the scientific community to find a solution quickly. Additionally, vaccine trials will continue to try to find even better solutions going forward. Additional vaccines would offer unique benefits:
- AstraZeneca: Can be stored in a refrigerator
- Janssen: Is administered in a single dose
- Novavax: May produce a stronger immune response
In Conclusion
It’s important to be prepared and set the facts straight. Information is power and it’s important to share facts to help people overcome vaccine hesitancy. Do you need more facts to show others to combat their vaccine hesitancy? Look no further than this visual deep dive on the facts about the COVID vaccine below:
