Myths and misinformation related to the Covid-19 vaccine should be debunked, say experts

Pune, 10th March 2021: As India has launched the next phase of the vaccination for Covid -19, experts requesting people to take the vaccine when their turn comes. Doctors are underlining that debunking the myths related to the Covid-19 vaccine is important.

Covid -19 had disrupted lives across the world just a few months back and the world is still getting adjusted to the new normal. After almost a year that very few first cases started coming in India that we have a vaccine that has passed many tests and trials to be declared safe for everybody.

But still, it is seen that many are not yet willing to take the vaccine. Experts believe that in the age of social media, many rumours, myths, and unscientific views, are increasing the fear related to the vaccine in the minds of people. This is then not making it possible for an increasing number of people to get vaccinated soon once their turn comes.

Dr Reema Kashiv, the senior physician from Noble Hospital, Pune, said, “Misinformation about Covid-19 stands in the way of the successful execution of the vaccine rollout. People think that Covid – 19 is like any other flu. But it is not correct as of the common flu and Covid – 19 belong to completely different virus families and fatality in Covid-19 is more than in common flu. Any vaccine goes through a lot of trials and scientific scrutiny before it gets approved by the government. Also, these vaccines have a very high efficacy of almost over 90 percent. People think that taking basic precautions will be sufficient and so no need to take the vaccine. But, they should understand that we will still be taking the basic precautions even after taking the vaccine as the coronavirus is airborne too. Plus taking the vaccine is important as it is going to boost your immunity.”

She added, “Also, a lot of people are saying that we do not need to get vaccinated because we will not be infected once the herd immunity is developed. But we should know that immunity to a disease can be achieved by either vaccination or by getting infected with Coronavirus. I think we should be wise to choose to get vaccinated so that we develop herd immunity earlier.”

Dr Sandeep Patwardhan, the pediatric orthopaedic surgeon from Sancheti Institute of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, said, “The vaccine safe. I have taken two doses of the vaccine. It might cause some pain on the body part where we have to take the vaccine, but no major side effects are being noticed. Also, if there are any side effects that people have noticed are all minor. The doctors’ community who have taken the vaccine have not seen any major side effects. The vaccine is also 70 percent effective in preventing serious diseases. If we take the vaccine it is going to speed up herd immunity. This will help us in giving earlier herd immunity. So more people and as early as possible, once your turn comes, you should take the vaccine.”