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The COVID-19 vaccine deployment program in South Africa, outlined by the Department of Health, had three phases, starting with the most vulnerable population.
The first phase included all frontline health workers. They received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. People vaccinated in phase 2 over 60 years of age and people in collective settings. The third and final phase, currently underway, covers the rest of the South African population.
The program got off to a rough start in February 2021. It encountered a number of setbacks such as supply, logistics and governance issues, but has gained momentum in recent weeks. Up to 200,000 doses are administered daily. By the end of July 2021, nearly 2.9% of South Africa’s population had been fully vaccinated and 7.5% had received the first of two doses of Pfizer.
Read more: COVID-19: Key questions on South Africa’s vaccine deployment plan
Despite this adoption, many South Africans are still hesitant to get vaccinated. The circulation of disinformation about it poses the danger of hampering efforts to control the pandemic.
In this article, we aim to dispel some of the myths surrounding COVID-19 vaccines.
Myth 1: COVID-19 vaccine will affect a woman’s fertility
This myth was sparked when a social media post was shared in December 2020 by Dr Wolfgang Wodarg, doctor and former chief scientist for allergy and respiratory therapy at Pfizer, and Dr Michael Yeadon, pulmonologist. They claimed that the spike protein on the coronavirus was the same as the spike protein that is responsible for the growth and attachment of the placenta during pregnancy. The fear was that due to the vaccine, the immune system would not be able to differentiate between the two spike proteins and attack the placental protein.
It’s wrong. The overall composition of the placental protein is very different from the coronavirus spike protein.
In addition, during Pfizer vaccination tests, 23 female volunteers became pregnant after receiving the vaccine.
In addition, the benefits of getting the vaccine outweigh the risks of infection for pregnant women.
Myth 2: I had COVID-19 so I don’t need a vaccine
Reinfection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can occur even in people who have already contracted the virus. But receiving the vaccine may offer protection against serious complications from COVID-19.
The level of protection obtained by natural immunity after being infected with the virus is unknown. But scientists believe the vaccine offers better protection than natural infection.
Read more: Why should you get the COVID-19 vaccine – even if you’ve had the coronavirus before
Myth 3: COVID-19 vaccine side effects are dangerous
Several studies have been carried out since the start of the pandemic that have measured South Africans’ perceptions of vaccination issues. A recent study by the University of Johannesburg and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of South Africa found that among those surveyed who did not want to be vaccinated, 25% were concerned about side effects.
Most of the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are mild. They include a mild fever, arm pain, and fatigue, and these usually go away after one to three days.
Rare side effects such as blood clots have been reported with the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. The chances of experiencing this side effect are low. The risks of blood clots following infection with COVID-19 are 8 to 10 times greater than the risks associated with the vaccine. Doctors are aware of this concern and are trained to identify and treat the disease quickly.
A recent article from Healthline – a medically reviewed and fact-verified website – compared the benefits and risks of getting the vaccine with those of contracting COVID-19. Lung damage is a complication of COVID-19 while muscle fatigue can be a side effect of the vaccine. This risk-benefit decision is up to the individual, but vaccinations have been shown to be safe.
Read more: New warnings on COVID-19 vaccine don’t mean it’s dangerous – they mean side effect reporting system is working
Myth 4: Vaccines have a microchip that will track and control an individual
This conspiracy theory has been propagated by anti-vaccines who believe that American business mogul, investor and philanthropist Bill Gates will implant microchips to track people’s movements, using the vaccine as a delivery method. This is false and has been clarified by Gates in the media.
This myth gained traction when a video was shared on Facebook making false claims about the optional microchip on the syringe label of the COVID-19 vaccine. The purpose of this chip is to confirm that the injectable and the vaccine are not counterfeit and have not expired. It will also confirm whether the injection was used.
People commenting on the video appeared to have misinterpreted the technology as an injectable. But the microchip is part of the syringe label, not the injectable substance itself.
Read more: The racism inherent in anti-vaxx movements
Myth 5: COVID-19 vaccine development was rushed, so it may not be effective
The vaccine was developed very quickly. This was possible because vaccine technology had been in development for many years. When the genetic information of SARS-CoV-2 was identified, the process could begin quickly. There were enough resources to fund research, and social media made it easier to recruit participants for clinical trials. Because SARS-CoV-2 is contagious, it was easy to tell whether the vaccine was working or not.
Read more: Pressure is on to develop COVID-19 vaccine, but corners can’t be cut
Myth 6: COVID-19 vaccine can alter my DNA
The messenger RNA vaccine (Pfizer) and the viral vector vaccine (Johnson and Johnson) allow your body to develop protection, so that when you are infected with SARS-CoV-2, your body is ready to fight the disease. virus. DNA is located in the nucleus of your cells and vaccine material does not enter the nucleus. It therefore does not alter DNA.
Read more: Can Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccines affect my genetic code?
Social media play an important role in the spread of myths and conspiracy theories. Before sharing any information, you should make sure that it comes from a scientific and reliable source.
Varsha Bangalee is a fellow at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) for the Development of Research Innovation, Localization and Leadership in South Africa (DRILL). DRILL, is an NIH D43 grant (D43TW010131) awarded to UKZN in 2015 to support a research training and induction program for early career academics. The content is the sole responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official opinions of DRILL and the National Institutes of Health.
Neelaveni Padayachee does not work, consult, own stock or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has not disclosed any relevant affiliation beyond her academic appointment.
By Neelaveni Padayachee, Senior Lecturer, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand and
Varsha Bangalee, Senior Lecturer, Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal
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