MYTH: The COVID-19 vaccine cannot be trusted.

FACT: Due to the pandemic, vaccine development needed to be rapid, but safety and efficacy was not compromised. Vaccine researchers were able to develop COVID-19 vaccines quickly, thanks to years of previous research on related viruses. The federal government provided massive funding to help companies manufacture vaccines faster. Vaccines were tested in several large clinical trials at the same time, and it allowed regulators to approve the vaccines faster than normal.

MYTH: Getting the COVID-19 vaccine gives you COVID-19.

FACT: You cannot get COVID-19 from the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine does not contain the SARS-Co-2 virus and does not cause infection of any kind. It does not change or damage your genetic information.

MYTH: The side effects of COVID-19 vaccination are dangerous.

FACT: Most people don’t experience serious side effects after being vaccinated. Some people may develop symptoms, such as a sore arm, headache or fever as their immune system responds to the vaccine. This is a common response with any vaccine and these symptoms are not considered serious.

MYTH: Getting vaccinated means I can stop wearing a face mask and taking other precautions.

FACT: Not yet! COVID-19 vaccines prevent moderate to severe disease, but the virus can still enter your body. At this time, it’s unclear if the virus can be transmitted after vaccination. To protect others, vaccinated individuals should still practice infection prevention precautions.

MYTH: Face masks don’t work.

FACT: Face masks are an important and effective tool for reducing the spread of disease. Physical distancing, hand-washing and avoiding crowds are additional steps that will keep you and others safe.