As you have read in this issue, a healthy community is a top priority for Community Builders of Kansas City. As such, we strongly urge all our residents to get the COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccination will help keep ourselves, our families and our friends from grave illness, hospitalization and death. It will help our businesses, shops and restaurants stay open and our economy get back on track. 

We ask that you help us engage those in our community who are hesitant to get the vaccine. We know there is plenty of misinformation going around, especially on social channels. Below we address some of the mistruths.

 

  1. Does the vaccine alter your DNA?
    NO.
  2. Can you get the virus from the vaccine?
    NO – the vaccines do not contain any live virus.
  3. Does the vaccine contain a microchip?
    NO.
  4. Are vaccine side effects as bad as having COVID-19?
    NO – For most the worst case is you feel unwell for a day. The virus, on the other hand, can make you seriously ill, cause hospitalization and/or long-term serious health effects, even death.
  5. What about allergic reactions?
    Reactions are extremely rare – one in 500,000 to 1 million.
  6. I’m protected because I’m young.
    NO – the Delta variant is affecting people as young as infants. 
  7. Does the vaccine cause fertility issues?
    NO.
  8. I’m safe since I’ve already had the virus.
    NO – immunity wears off over time.
  9. Can I still get the virus if I’m vaccinated?
    Breakthrough cases can happen, but your symptoms will be significantly fewer and minor. Again, greater than 90 percent of those experiencing severe cases, including hospitalizations, are among the unvaccinated. The vaccine may not prevent a break-through case, but it will help protect you from getting seriously sick or dying.

 

If you have questions about the vaccinations, talk to your healthcare provider. Do not rely on social media for health advice. Misinformation is everywhere, so be selective.