We live in an age of information. With the internet, people have unprecedented access to information. Unfortunately, a lot of that information can be misleading or plain inaccurate. Sometimes it is more difficult that you think it would be to evaluate the reliability of the source.
In the age of COVID-19, misinformation has played a huge and dangerous role in spreading hesitancy towards the vaccines that will help us save lives and move past this pandemic.
At CK Public Health, we understand that your decision to vaccinate yourself or your children is inherently linked to you wanting to do what is right and best for you and your family. For this reason, we’re addressing some of the most common reasons for hesitancy that are lead by misinformation. With each fact, you’ll also find a link to seek more information from other reliable sources whose information is rooted in science and medical research.
Have more questions? Ask away in the comments section.
Natural Immunity
You may have some immunity from previous infection, but it is unknown how long it will last. Natural immunity may not protect you from COVID-19 variants.
The vaccine will help protect you from reinfection. Due to the severity of COVID-19 and the risk of passing it to others, the vaccine is your best option to protect yourself and your loved ones.
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Fertility
Millions of people around the world have received the COVID-19 vaccines and there is no evidence that the vaccines caused infertility or increased the risk of miscarriage.
Pregnant individuals are at higher risk of suffering a severe illness from a COVID-19 infection. The COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all stages of pregnancy.
Sources:
https://www.pregnancyinfo.ca/covid/
Anxiety
Anxiety towards needles is real.
The health care professionals administering the vaccine are highly trained and will support you through the vaccination process. They have tips to help you feel as comfortable as possible when getting your vaccine, so they can support you. Let them know if you are anxious so they can prepare.
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Severe Reactions
Serious allergic reactions to the vaccines are very rare and usually occur shortly after receiving the vaccine.
The risk of a severe reaction from the vaccine is very low compared to the risks of experiencing serious symptoms or complications from a COVID-19 infection. Unvaccinated people are 60 times more likely to be in the ICU compared to fully vaccinated individuals.
Sources:
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/ncov/epi/covid-19-aefi-report.pdf?la=en
Ingredients
The ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccines are safe, and similar to ingredients in other vaccines. They contain fat-coated mRNA, salt, sugar, polyethylene glycol, and water. Many of the ingredients are also found in things we use and consume daily, like food and cosmetics.
The vaccines do not contain common allergens like latex or dangerous substances.
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Vaccine Development
It may seem like COVID-19 vaccines were developed fast, but no steps were skipped in the process. Usually, a lot of time is wasted between stages. Global funding for COVID-19 vaccines allowed for huge, well-run trials. mRNA vaccines are also much faster to make.
Health Canada continues to monitor all vaccines for safety after approval.
Source:
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/about/blog/2021/covid-19-vaccine-safety-surveillance
COVID-19 and Health Care
Unvaccinated individuals with COVID-19 infections are filling Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds in Ontario’s hospitals. With these beds full, other individuals with serious injuries or chronic illnesses cannot receive the life-saving care they need, whether that is a hospital bed or surgery, as hospital resources are strained by the needs of COVID-19 patients.
Vaccination is proven to reduce symptoms and hospital admissions for people infected with COVID-19.
Fast Facts Downloadable Poster:
Fast Facts PDF (English)
Fast Facts PDF (French)
Fast Facts PDF (Low German)
Fast Facts PDF (Spanish)
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Questions about the vaccines? Speak to a health care professional.
CK Public Health: 519.355.1071 x 1900
VaxFacts: SHN.ca/VaxFacts or 416.438.2911 x 5738
SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service: 437.881.3505
Ontario Vaccine Confidence Line: 1.833.943.3900