Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic has proven difficult due to widespread misinformation (or misunderstandings) and disinformation (or deliberate falsehood) about the virus, especially online such as though social media, as well as on the radio or TV. Here are some examples of untrue beliefs about vaccines:

• Myth: Vaccines contain harmful chemicals.
  • Fact: The vaccines are largely made up of ingredients already found in many foods.
• Myth: Immunity from having caught COVID-19 is not as good as getting a vaccine, getting COVID-19 offers less immunity, and has more risk of severe complications, than getting vaccinated does. 
  • Fact: The COVID-19 vaccine offers immunity with much less of a risk of severe complications, than catching COVID-19.
• Myth: COVID-19 vaccines have a microchip or other tracking device within them.
  • Fact: COVID-19 vaccines do not contain a microchip or other ways to track you. 
• Myth: COVID-19 vaccines have particles that can “shed” and harm your body.
  • Fact: COVID-19 vaccines do not contain any particles that can ‘shed’ to infect and harm other people. 
• Myth: Vaccines change your DNA, causing damage.
  • Fact: Vaccines cannot change your DNA. 
• Myth: Vaccines can control your mind after entering your body.
  • Fact: Vaccines cannot control your mind. 
• Myth: Vaccines contain many damaging chemicals.
  • Fact: Vaccines do NOT contain any of the following: preservatives, antibiotics, medicines or therapeutics, tissues (fetal cells or animal cells), food proteins (gluten, egg, nut, etc.), metal, or latex. 

It is important to seek out information about COVID-19 from trusted sources of information, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC), your local Tribal health clinic, or other healthcare providers.