Are you for the Covid-19 vaccine or against it? We want to know
The Record is inviting our readers to contact us and let us know if you are for the vaccine or against it. Tell us your fears, or why you are willing to take the vaccine, to have your say in the paper.
While there are many benefits to the digital age, the ever-increasing access to information and the spread of sensationalism are a big pitfall. The line between anti-vax and pro-vax people is becoming fainter thanks to the coronavirus vaccine.
Many people are wary of the different Covid-19 vaccines, and the fact that the internet allows the world to share their feelings with each other may only add to the reluctance of people to register.
The Record is inviting our readers to contact us and let us know if you are for the vaccine or against it. Tell us your fears, or why you are willing to take the vaccine, to have your say in the paper. If you have any concerns, we will help you get answers. Send your opinions to roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za or amys@caxton.co.za. In the meantime, here are a few myths and facts to hopefully put some rumours to rest.
This information has been attained from the Department of Health’s Covid-19 online resource and news portal, and CovidComms South Africa.
Myth: Side effects of the coronavirus vaccine are worse than the virus symptoms
Fact: Like all other life-saving vaccines and medications, the coronavirus vaccine may have side effects that can make you feel unwell. However, the side effects are minor in comparison to the virus symptoms.
Side effects for the Covid-19 vaccination are: Pain, redness or swelling from the needle; fever; tiredness; nausea; headache; muscle and joint pain; feeling unwell; swollen lymph nodes
Myth: There is a microchip in the vaccine
Fact: Vaccine manufacturers are required to declare all their ingredients to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) before the vaccine is approved for use. If they contained any form of microchip or tracking devices, SAHPRA would not authorise the use of the vaccine
Myth: 5G waves spread Covid-19
Fact: A virus cannot travel through radio waves or mobile networks – the virus is spreading in many countries that do not even have 5G technology
Myth: I already had Covid, so I will not benefit from taking the vaccine
Fact: We don’t know how long the natural immunity to the virus lasts. Right now, it seems that getting the virus more than once is not common, but there are still many unanswered questions. Preliminary evidence suggests that the vaccine provides better protection than having had the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that those who have had Covid-19 still get the vaccine.
