Nowadays, rumours and word-of-mouth are primary ways of getting information. While sometimes this can be beneficial in spreading important details, in our current world, where news is heavily based around science and medicine, second-hand information tends to be inaccurate. These instances of misinformation can be hard to spot, as countless news outlets and media professionals spread false facts like wildfire, taking advantage of the fact that many people will believe what they hear. As we move further into 2022, this will have an even larger impact on the actions taken in regards to individual health.
This year, many of MCI’s senior students will hit the big milestone of turning 18. This new-found adulthood comes with many perks: being able to sign yourself out of school, get a credit card, and, according to the province of Ontario, get a booster shot. While this is so exciting, it’s important to remember that, as we’ve established, there are many discrepancies between the information spread about the COVID-19 vaccines and what is actually true. I want to break down some common myths and falsehoods about the vaccine booster shot. Whether you are eligible for the booster or not, everyone should have all the facts to help them make an informed decision about their own health and well-being.
MYTH: Pfizer is the better vaccine compared to Moderna.
TRUTH: In Canada, two different vaccines are approved as booster shots: Pfizer and Moderna. Many people have the belief that Moderna is the lesser vaccine compared to Pfizer, with adults turning down the Moderna shot. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Moderna’s vaccine actually provides slightly better protection compared to Pfizer. With the Delta variant, adults who received two doses of Moderna had a lower risk of hospitalization than those who received two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. While Pfizer is the only approved vaccine booster for Ontarians ages 18-29, it is worth noting that for adults ages 30-70, Moderna is quite possibly the best choice to help combat COVID-19 at this time.
MYTH: Mixing different vaccines is dangerous and it’s better to stick with just one.
TRUTH: In July 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned against mixing vaccines, making it seem as if this was a big no-no going forward. Yet as new advancements are made every day, it has been shown that mixing vaccines is perfectly safe. The provinces of Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia have all confirmed the benefits of getting differing vaccines. In January of this year, Dr. Brian Conway of the Vancouver Infectious Disease Centre stated that mixing Pfizer and Moderna vaccines “show the immune system the virus in two slightly different ways that may lead to a better, stronger, and longer term protection against the virus.” He urges people not to “vaccine shop”, and instead, focus on booking a booster appointment as soon as you become eligible.
MYTH: Everyone is expected to get Omicron anyways, so there’s no point in getting boosted.
TRUTH: If you have already received two doses, you may believe that this is enough to protect yourself from COVID-19. You also might think that, since it is predicted that the majority of people will get the Omicron variant, it is pointless to aim to protect yourself at all by getting boosted. Unfortunately, none of these statements are true. Studies show that a person’s protection against COVID-19 reduces over time - explained through the term “waning immunity”. The risk of fully-vaccinated people (those with two doses) getting COVID-19, and especially the Omicron variant, increases as time goes on. The levels of one’s antibodies get lower after 3-9 months, meaning that the longer one goes unprotected, it is harder for the body to fight off infections or viruses. Boosters replenish your antibodies, bringing them back to higher levels and reducing the risk of getting the virus. Generally, our body’s immune system is much more effective with more triggers, and can continue to fight off viruses if we give it the tools to do so.
It’s easy to believe things that are frequently and convincingly stated in public or in the media. Being misinformed can be scary, as you don’t have control over the choices you make when it comes to protecting yourself. With some of the largest booster myths debunked, hopefully you can use your knowledge to educate yourself and others, and feel more confident in your decisions to protect yourself against COVID-19.
Image taken by Mira Seth