(WWJ) Vaccination is the best protection against COVID-19, but many people are still hesitant to get the shot.
One reason is a barrage of false information circulating online and through word of mouth.
WWJ's Dr. Deanna Lites spoke with Dr. Dennis Cunningham, Director of Infection Control and Prevention for Henry Ford Heath System, who seeks to dispel what he says are the top five myths about the COVID-19 vaccine.
1 - The vaccine was created too quickly. False.
Cunningham says the most common myth is that the COVID-19 vaccine was created too quickly, and will only be safe once it gets full FDA approval. This is not true, he said.
"MRNA technology has been used to treat certain cancers for the past ten years," Cunningham said. "Emergency use approval just allowed the FDA to streamline the regulatory process and increase funding and collaboration so that the vaccines became available for injection into arms."
The doctor notes that Pfizer and Modera have submitted applications for fill FDA approval, and Johnson & Johnson can do so in August.
2 - The vaccine will impact me or my partner's futility. False.
Cunningham said, "There is absolutely no scientific evidence the vaccines impact fertility in men or women."
People have been able to get pregnant after being vaccinated, and women who were vaccinated while pregnant have delivered healthy, happy babies, he said.
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3 - I've already had COVID, so I'm protected enough. False.
Cunningham said the COVID-19 vaccine in fact provides better protection against the new variants of the virus, particularly the delta variant.
"Natural infection from having COVID previously does not protect against all the variants," the doctor said.
4 - It doesn't make a difference if I'm vaccinated. False.
"It certainly does make a big difference," Cunningham said. "it's our only way out of this pandemic."
The doctor says every time the virus infects someone it can mutate. The mutations, like the delta variant, will allow the virus to continue to exist amd wreak havoc in our communities."
5 - The vaccine will alter my DNA. False.
Cunningham said this is impossible.
"The messenger RNA in the vaccine does not enter the nucleus of the cell where the DNA is located," he explained. "There is absolutely no risk."
The doctor urges anyone who is still hesitant, or has questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine to talk their doctor.
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