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The government is spreading the virus on purpose

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Covid-19 is not as dangerous as people say it is

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Covid-19 is being contained better in some countries than others

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https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/press-release/covid-19-misinformation-is-ubiquitous-78-of-the-public-believes-or-is-unsure-about-at-least-one-false-statement-and-nearly-at-third-believe-at-least-four-of-eight-false-statements-tested/

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Most People Who Trust Network and Local Television, CNN, MSNBC and NPR on COVID-19 Believe Little or No Misinformation; Larger Shares Who Trust Newsmax, One American News, and Fox News Hold Many Misconceptions

More than three quarters (78%) of U.S. adults either believe or aren't sure about at least one of eight false statements about the COVID-19 pandemic or COVID-19 vaccines, with unvaccinated adults and Republicans among those most likely to hold misconceptions, a new KFF COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor report shows.

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of unvaccinated adults believe or are unsure about at least half of the eight false statements - more than three times the share of vaccinated adults (19%). Nearly half (46%) of Republicans believe or are unsure about at least half the statements, three times the share of Democrats (14%).

The findings highlight a major challenge for efforts to accurately communicate the rapidly evolving science about the pandemic when false and ambiguous information can spread quickly, whether inadvertently or deliberately, through social media, polarized news sources and other outlets.

The new report assesses the public's awareness of, and belief in, a range of "myths" about the disease and the vaccines to prevent it. The most common misconceptions include:

* Most (60%) adults say they've heard that the government is exaggerating the number of COVID-19 deaths by counting deaths due to other factors and either believe it to be true (38%) or aren't sure if it is true or false (22%).

* Four in 10 (39%) say they've heard pregnant women should not get the COVID-19 vaccine and believe it to be true (17%) or aren't sure (22%).

* Three in 10 (31%) say they've heard that the vaccine has been shown to cause infertility and either believe it (8%) or aren't sure if it's true (23%).

Many people believe or are unsure about several of the eight false statements, including about a third (32%) who believe or are unsure about at least half of them.
How Does Trust in News Sources Line Up with Misconceptions?
People's trusted news sources are correlated with their belief in COVID-19 misinformation. At least a third of those who trust information from CNN, MSNBC, network news, NPR, and local television news do not believe any of the eight false statements, while small shares (between 11% and 16%) believe or are unsure about at least four of the eight false statements.

Larger shares of those who trust COVID-19 information from leading conservative news sources believe misinformation, with nearly 4 in 10 of those who trust Fox News (36%) and One America News (37%), and nearly half (46%) of those who trust Newsmax, saying they believe or are unsure about at least half of the eight false statements.

Whether this is because people are exposed to misinformation from those news sources, or whether the types of people who choose those news sources are the same ones who are pre-disposed to believe certain types of misinformation for other reasons, is beyond the scope of the analysis.

Underscoring the self-selection that now occurs in the news sources people trust, Democrats trust COVID-19 information from network (72%) and local (66%) television, CNN (65%), MSNBC (56%) and NPR (51%). Republicans' most trusted news sources for COVID-19 information are Fox News (49%), local (34%) and network (25%) news, and Newsmax (22%).

Few adults say they trust social-media sources for information about COVID-19 such as YouTube (13%), Facebook (9%), Twitter (6%), and Instagram (5%). The group that is influenced by information they see on these platforms may be larger than the share that says they trust information they see there, as KFF surveys have previously found the share of adults who get information about COVID-19 vaccines from social media is nearly as large as the share who get information from cable, network, and local TV news.

Designed and analyzed by public opinion researchers at KFF, the KFF Vaccine Monitor survey was conducted from October 14-24 among a nationally representative random digit dial telephone sample of 1,519 adults. Interviews were conducted in English and Spanish by landline (168) and cell phone (1,351). The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 3 percentage points for the full sample. For results based on subgroups, the margin of sampling error may be higher.
The KFF COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor is an ongoing research project tracking the public's attitudes and experiences with COVID-19 vaccinations. Using a combination of surveys and qualitative research, this project tracks the dynamic nature of public opinion as vaccine development and distribution unfold, including vaccine confidence and acceptance, information needs, trusted messengers and messages, as well as the public's experiences with vaccination.

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COVID-19 Misinformation is Ubiquitous: 78% of the Public Believes or is Unsure About At Least One False Statement, and Nearly a Third Believe At Least Four of Eight False Statements Tested

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Most People Who Trust Network and Local Television, CNN, MSNBC and NPR on COVID-19 Believe Little or No Misinformation; Larger Shares Who Trust Newsmax, One American News, and Fox News Hold Many Misconceptions More than three quarters (78%) of U.S. adults either believe or aren't sure about at least one of eight false statements about ...

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https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/articles/coronavirus-myths-rumors-misinformation.html

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Posted June 30, 2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, health care organizations like Johns Hopkins Medicine are focusing all of their efforts on slowing the spread of the new coronavirus and caring for patients. In a situation like this when information is rapidly changing, myths, rumors and misinformation often begin. Social media and other digital platforms can help spread these myths extremely quickly and make them appear correct. Rumors and misinformation can also easily circulate in communities during a crisis.

Fake Face Mask Exemptions

A recent rumor concerns fake face mask exemptions. Fake cards and flyers, claiming that the bearer is exempt from mask-wearing regulations, have shown up in some areas. The cards, which some people have purchased online, may have official-looking logos or government insignias on them. They claim that the person carrying them has a physical or mental condition covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that makes them unable to wear a face mask or covering.

The United States Department of Justice has issued a statement about these fake mask exemptions, explaining that these cards and flyers are fraudulent.

People have tried to use the fake cards to avoid having to wear a mask in public places that require them, such as some stores and restaurants. The cards are not issued by the U.S. government and are not backed by the ADA.

#COVID-19, #Coronavirus Social Media Rumors

Rumors about the new coronavirus, including ones citing Johns Hopkins immunologists, infectious disease experts and other specialists, lack credibility because they are not published by Johns Hopkins Medicine. Medical information about the new coronavirus published on Johns Hopkins Medicine is reviewed by experts in the fields of infection prevention, emergency management and emergency medicine.

Our response to all rumors is to consult our Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Updates resource center for the most up-to-date information from Johns Hopkins Medicine.

How can you spot a rumor?

When evaluating information you find on social media or other outlets, it is important to follow these guidelines:

Use trusted sources, such as official government or health care websites and social media channels.

Evaluate other information from the source, including links and sources, to see if it appears reliable.

Search other credible resources to see if they are sharing similar information.

Learn more about coronavirus myths

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Self-Checker

Check symptoms. Protect yourself. Get information.

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Coronavirus Myths, Rumors and Misinformation | Johns Hopkins Medicine

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Posted June 30, 2020 As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, health care organizations like Johns Hopkins Medicine are focusing all of their efforts on slowing the spread of the new coronavirus and caring for patients. In a situation like this when information is rapidly changing, myths, rumors and misinformation often begin.

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https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Symptoms, testing, what to do if sick, daily activities, and more.

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COVID-19 has different kinds of variants such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, etc...
Luis B

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Essencial products help fight Covid 19

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Infectious Diseases

Featured Experts:

Updated September 21, 2021

A lot of information is circulating about COVID-19, so it's important to know what's true and what's not.

Lisa Maragakis, M.D., M.P.H., senior director of infection prevention, and Gabor Kelen, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response, answer your questions.

TRUE or FALSE? A negative COVID test means you are safe.
The answer is false.
If you get a COVID-19 test and the result is negative, that means you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected. But if you get tested too soon after exposure to the coronavirus, it could be too early for signs of infection to show up on the test. Also, testing negative for the coronavirus now does not mean you cannot become infected in the future or that you are immune from getting COVID-19.

TRUE or FALSE? Quercetin, essential oils and other supplements can protect you from the coronavirus or treat COVID-19.

The answer is false.

Taking quercetin, zinc, or vitamin D and other nutritional supplements cannot prevent or treat coronavirus infection or COVID-19. The same is true of essential oils - they are not effective to prevent coronavirus disease. The best ways to stay safe from COVID-19 are getting vaccinated, wearing a mask (especially in crowded or indoor settings), keeping your hands clean and practicing physical distancing.

TRUE or FALSE? Herd immunity will end the coronavirus pandemic, so vaccinations are not necessary.
The answer is false.
Herd immunity is a term that refers to cases of an infectious disease slowing down and stopping when enough people in a population have immunity, either from getting and surviving a disease or from being vaccinated.

For COVID-19, letting people get the disease would result in many people getting severely sick, suffering lasting organ damage and even dying before herd immunity could occur.

Being vaccinated for COVID-19 drastically reduces your chance of having severe COVID-19 if you are exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes the disease. Immunity from the vaccine may last longer than immunity from having COVID-19. Also, vaccination reduces the number of infections that give the coronavirus an opportunity to mutate (change). Mutations (variants) of the virus (such as the contagious delta variant) can delay or even prevent herd immunity from being reached.

TRUE or FALSE? Ivermectin cures or prevents COVID-19.
The answer is false.
Ivermectin is a medicine that controls parasites in animals and humans. Irresponsible and misleading reports are circulating in social media and elsewhere that taking the drug is a safe way to prevent or cure COVID-19. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not authorized or approved the use of ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19. The FDA has received reports of humans taking veterinary ivermectin. The formulas for horses and other animals are different than for people and can be very toxic (poisonous) to humans. Taking ivermectin for nonapproved reasons or in large doses can be harmful, and can lead to hospitalization and even death.

TRUE or FALSE? Warm water or saline will protect you from getting sick if you're exposed to the coronavirus.
The answer is false.
False reports are circulating that drinking or bathing in warm or hot water, or washing out the inside of your nose with saline (salt) solution, will protect you from COVID-19 if you are exposed to the coronavirus. These reports are not true. The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is very tiny and cannot be rinsed or washed out of the throat or nasal passages. The best ways to prevent infection are to get vaccinated, wear a mask, and practice hand hygiene and physical distancing.

TRUE or FALSE? Children can get COVID-19.
The answer is true.
Children can get COVID-19. In most cases, COVID-19 seems to be milder in young children than in adults, but parents and caregivers should understand that children can be infected with the coronavirus and transmit it to others.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends a COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 and older. Johns Hopkins Medicine encourages all families to have eligible children vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, Pfizer's vaccine is the only approved COVID-19 vaccine for children.

COVID-19 cases in children are increasing. This is partly because the available COVID-19 vaccines have only been recently authorized for children age 5 -11. The widespread circulation in the U.S. of the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus is another factor.

In rare cases, children infected with the coronavirus can develop a serious lung infection and become very sick with COVID-19, and deaths have occurred. That's why it is important to follow proven COVID-19 precautions such as wearing a mask when in public, indoor places to reduce the chance of becoming infected with the coronavirus. We can help protect children who are too young to be vaccinated by ensuring that all of the eligible people around them get vaccinated.

TRUE or FALSE? You can get a face mask exemption card so you don't need to wear a mask.
The answer is false.
Fake cards and flyers claiming that the bearers are exempt from mask-wearing regulations have shown up in some areas. The cards, which some people have bought online, may have official-looking logos or government insignias. They claim that people carrying them have a physical or mental condition covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that makes them unable to wear a face mask or covering.

The US. Department of Justice issued a statement about these fake mask exemptions, explaining that the cards and flyers are fraudulent.

People have tried to use the fake cards to avoid wearing a mask in public places that require them, such as some stores and restaurants. The cards are not issued by the U.S. government and are not backed by the ADA.

TRUE or FALSE? You can protect yourself from COVID-19 by injecting, swallowing, bathing in or rubbing onto your body bleach, disinfectants or rubbing alcohols.
The answer is false.
These products are highly toxic and should never be swallowed or injected into the body. Call 911 if this occurs.

Disinfectants, bleach, and soap and water may be used to clean surfaces, an important step in stopping the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Never attempt to self-treat or prevent COVID-19 by rubbing or bathing anywhere on your body with bleach, disinfectants or rubbing alcohol. Effective hand sanitizers do contain alcohol, but they are formulated to be safe for use on hands.
Learn more about protecting yourself from the coronavirus and COVID-19.
TRUE or FALSE? A vaccine to prevent COVID-19 is available.
The answer is true.
COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and one has received full FDA approval. Johns Hopkins Medicine views all FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines as highly effective at preventing serious disease, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccine safety and what you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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To help you better understand what's happening and cut through the confusion, here are some common myths.

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https://www.henryford.com/blog/2021/08/vaccine-myths

There is a chip inside the vaccine so the government can control us.

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Three safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines are available in the United States: Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. All three have been put through rigorous clinical trials to determine their safety and efficacy, and all three have been proven to greatly reduce the chance of contracting COVID-19. These vaccines, in short, are life savers. They are a critical piece of the puzzle to stopping new variants from spreading and ensuring that COVID-19 will no longer be a pandemic that threatens the lives of those in our community and around the world.

But although the vaccines have been in use for more than a year (clinical trials first began in mid 2020), rumors are still circulating about the COVID-19 vaccines. To set the record straight, Dennis Cunningham, M.D., medical director of infection control and prevention at Henry Ford Health System, debunks 10 vaccine myths.

1. Myth: The vaccines aren't safe because they were developed quickly. This is FALSE.

"The COVID-19 vaccines themselves were developed quickly, but the clinical trials to examine safety and efficacy weren't rushed at all," says Dr. Cunningham. "Safety was not compromised in any way. What happened quickly was finding the vaccine to test. In the 1980s, it took scientists so long to do this, but thanks to scientific advances we've made over the years, we can find viruses so quickly."

Also, he adds, COVID-19 is similar to other coronaviruses we've seen in humans, like MERS and SARS, so there was previous research that could be used to speed up the process.

2. Myth: The vaccines can lead to long-term effects. This is FALSE.

"With vaccines, if there is going to be a complication or side effect (like an allergic reaction, for example) it will occur within minutes to hours of receiving the vaccine," says Dr. Cunningham. "If we're not seeing serious side effects now, we can pretty much know it will be safe down the road."

Also, while the COVID-19 vaccines may be new, the mRNA technology used to create them has been used for decades in treatments for cancer, influenza, Zika and rabies. This experience has informed us that unknown, delayed side effects show up within two months of receiving the vaccine. These vaccines have been in use for many months, since the first vaccine trials were conducted over a year ago. There are no long-term side effects to worry about.

3. Myth: You can get COVID-19 from the vaccines. This is FALSE.

"There's no live virus in the vaccines, so they can't infect you," says Dr. Cunningham. "Basically, the vaccines make our bodies produce one single protein from the virus-the protein that infects our cells. By making that protein, we prevent infection. You might have side effects like a headache or chills, but that's because your body is creating an immune response, not because you have an infection."

4. Myth: I've already had COVID-19, so I don't need to get vaccinated. This is FALSE.

Even if you have already had COVID-19, you should get vaccinated. New data shows that the vaccines provide better protection against the COVID-19 variants than natural immunity after infection.

"If you have had COVID-19, research suggests you have some natural protection from your own antibodies," says Dr. Cunningham. "However, we don't know how effective that protection is or how long it will last. A benefit of getting vaccinated is that you will have a higher, more predictable level of protection against the virus." Future research will tell us more about exactly how long we are protected after vaccination.

5. Myth: People with underlying conditions shouldn't get vaccinated. This is FALSE.

People who have underlying conditions-like diabetes and heart disease, for example-are at a high risk for getting complications from COVID-19, so it's even more reason why they should get vaccinated, says Dr. Cunningham. If you have concerns, talk to the doctor who is helping you manage the condition.

6. Myth: People with suppressed immune systems shouldn't get vaccinated. This is FALSE.

People with suppressed immune systems (like from cancer treatments or autoimmune diseases) should definitely get vaccinated. "The vaccines will not hurt you since they don't contain a live virus," says Dr. Cunningham. "Those with suppressed immune systems will still get protection from COVID-19, just not as much protection as those with healthy immune systems." Again, talk with your doctor if you have specific concerns.

7. Myth: The COVID-19 vaccines will alter your DNA. This is FALSE.

"The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines use messenger RNA (mRNA) to protect us from COVID-19, and I think that is where this rumor comes from," says Dr. Cunningham. "mRNA gives our cells the blueprints for the factories that will build the protein to protect us from COVID-19. People get scared that mRNA will cause the virus to go into our DNA and mutate us, but it does not even go into the center part of the cell where we have our DNA. It doesn't affect DNA at all."

8. Myth: If you get vaccinated, it could make you infertile. This is FALSE.

There is absolutely no data from the clinical trials or any theoretical reason as to why or how the vaccines could cause infertility. Women who participated in the COVID-19 clinical trials were able to conceive after vaccination. "In fact, we know that pregnant women with COVID-19 infections are at a higher risk of having a miscarriage or going into premature labor, which is all the more reason to get vaccinated," says Dr. Cunningham.

9. Myth: If I'm pregnant or breastfeeding, I shouldn't get vaccinated. This is FALSE.

It is safe to get vaccinated during any stage of pregnancy or while breastfeeding. "If you get vaccinated during your third trimester, you could potentially pass protective COVID-19 antibodies to the baby, but it is safe to get vaccinated during any stage of pregnancy," says Dr. Cunningham. "And evidence has shown that breastfeeding people who have received COVID-19 mRNA vaccines have antibodies in their breastmilk, which could help protect their babies from COVID-19."

10. Myth: I don't need to get vaccinated because I'm young and healthy. This is FALSE.

While young, healthy people are less likely to get sick than older people, they can and have ended up in the ICU with COVID-19. And even if they remain asymptomatic, they can have long-haul symptoms for months after the virus has cleared their system.

Also: they can unknowingly carry COVID-19 to those who are more vulnerable and put loved ones in danger of becoming severely sick. "The key to ending the pandemic is having everyone get vaccinated-not just those who are most vulnerable," says Dr. Cunningham.

Still need your COVID-19 vaccine? Schedule an appointment.
Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines. Dr. Dennis Cunningham is the medical director of infection control and prevention at Henry Ford Health System.

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10 Rumors About The COVID-19 Vaccines That Aren't True

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Three safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines are available in the United States: Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. All three have been put through rigorous clinical trials to determine their safety and efficacy, and all three have been proven to greatly reduce the chance of contracting COVID-19. These vaccines, in short, are life savers.

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a person can be a asymptomatic or symptomatic

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Even after the pandemic is over, COVID-19 could remain as an endemic disease like the flu.

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Millions of people around the globe are hoping that between lockdowns and vaccines, the virus that causes COVID-19 might soon be eradicated from our lives. Now, experts are warning that the virus might be with us forever -- but it won't always be a deadly plague.

Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center and professor of pediatrics in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, concurred, adding that he is also "not sure we're ever going to really eliminate this virus. ... It's not like measles, where you get life-long sterilizing immunity."

But even if the virus sticks around, new vaccines and new drugs to fight the virus mean it's unlikely to cause severe illness in the future. Offit predicts "that eventually, it will cause fewer deaths than influenza."

It is possible, experts say, that COVID-19 could become a seasonal illness, like the flu. Virologists call this an "endemic" disease -- one that is constantly circulating among us. In the years and decades to come, many people will be exposed to it in childhood and develop some immunity, which would protect them later in life against serious disease.

Meanwhile, current vaccines have shown great success preventing symptomatic and severe disease, which will help save lives even if the virus continues to transmit at low levels.

"The hope is that with enough natural immunity and immunizations, this becomes part of the natural cycle of cold season, but doesn't have the same impact," Brownstein said.

"I think it will become seasonal. All acute respiratory viral infections are," added Sarah Cobey, an epidemiologist and evolutionary biologist at the University of Chicago.

Whether this coronavirus does become endemic depends a lot on our behavior, Stephen S. Morse, professor of epidemiology at Columbia University, told ABC News. "Early on, when the virus was much more limited in distribution, it might have been possible to stop the pandemic ... if the world had acted earlier in a coordinated way."

However, given how the pandemic has been handled so far, it is likely that it will become endemic, with the virus probably taking a similar route to the four existing "human" coronaviruses that are already in circulation and cause upper respiratory infections, Morse said.

"We dismissed the human coronaviruses as a 'common cold' or 'flu-like illness,'" Morse said. "But they've been with us for a while" and evolved into endemic coronaviruses. "I suspect we're probably seeing the same process repeating itself with this virus, eventually perhaps a fifth 'human coronavirus.'"

"I'd say it's already endemic," Cobey said. "The "endemic" flu is also a pandemic in the sense that it sweeps the globe every year. However, she continued, recurring epidemics of the virus will probably not be as severe as the first.

People should not rely on achieving "herd immunity" as a way to curb COVID-19 infections, according to Jennie Lavine, a postdoctoral fellow at Emory University and lead author of a study conducted by researchers from Emory and Penn State University.

"Based on our analysis, we do not expect herd immunity to arise in the case of COVID-19," Lavine said. That is because if the immunity that prevents transmission wanes, people will continue to have periodic reinfections.

Experts say it is still unclear as to how long immunity lasts after a COVID-19 infection, though evidence seems to suggest that, unlike some viruses, COVID-19 is unlikely to give you lifelong immunity. But even if you are infected again, the second infection will likely be less serious and probably won't make you as sick as the first.

Due to uncertainty around immunity after receiving a vaccine, it is still a bit too early to determine if people will need a yearly COVID-19 shot, according to experts, who add that they also don't know how quickly the virus will continue to evolve.

"If CoV-2 experiences antigenic evolution at rates that are similar to influenza, annual shots for vulnerable populations may well be necessary. This is something we will need to continue to measure in the coming years," Levine added.

Brownstein predicted that as more and more adults develop immunity through vaccination or natural infection, "the virus will naturally gravitate to younger age groups, because essentially that becomes the natural pool of people that are susceptible."

Immunizations have been shown to reduce rates of severe cases and thus hospitalizations and deaths. If the virus continues to mutate and evade vaccines, scientists may have to adapt vaccines to more closely match the dominant strain.

"[We] will have to be nimble to be able to adjust readily, to make versions of the vaccine that actually are specifically directed towards whatever mutation is actually prevalent at any given time," Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert said in a White House briefing Jan. 29.

Although experts said it's impossible to predict the future, they agreed that the virus that causes COVID-19 is unlikely to be completely eradicated by current vaccines and prevention measures. Rather, it will likely transform into a milder illness that can be managed seasonally, like the annual flu.

"We may have to think about rewiring our brains around how we view this virus," Brownstein said. He said everyone should prepare for a yearly evolutionary arms race, similar to the one against the seasonal flu, and ultimately acknowledge that COVID-19 is here to stay.

In addition, if we can curb transmission as much, and as rapidly as possible, with inoculations as well as by staying vigilant with "non-pharmaceutical interventions," such as masks, distancing, hand hygiene and ventilation, we could prevent or slow down the emergence of new variants, Morse told ABC News.
ABC News' Sony Salzman contributed to this report.

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COVID-19 could become a seasonal illness like the flu, experts say

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Millions of people around the globe are hoping that between lockdowns and vaccines, the virus that causes COVID-19 might soon be eradicated from our lives. Now, experts are warning that the virus might be with us forever -- but it won't always be a deadly plague.

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The SARS-CoV-2 RBD binds to Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) like SARS-CoV, but because SARS-CoV-2 is most closely related to RaTG13 (which likely doesn't bind to ACE2), SARS-CoV-2 RBD's ability to bind to ACE2 must be a convergently evolved trait.

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Structure of the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain bound to the ACE2 receptor - Nature

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High-resolution crystal structures of the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV in complex with ACE2 provide insights into the binding mode of these coronaviruses and highlight essential ACE2-interacting residues.

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False beliefs perpetuated by Tucker Carlson et al. about SARS-CoV-2 being created intentionally by virologists conspiring with the US and/or Chinese government.

“The guy in charge of America’s response to COVID turns out to be the guy who funded the creation of COVID. We’re speaking of Tony Fauci and the gain-of-function experiments at the Wuhan laboratory that the U.S. government with his approval paid for.” –Tucker Carlson on Fox News

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A remarkable twist in a tragedy, still ongoing, with effects that have transformed this country forever: just days before authorities reported the first cases of the coronavirus in Wuhan, a top inspector at the World Health Organization sat for an interview that was broadcast on YouTube.

The inspector was a man called Peter Daszak. He spoke about his research with the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which had been going on for more than 15 years. In the interview, Daszak also discussed his nonprofit organization, which had received millions from the U.S. government. Daszak channeled a substantial percentage of that money to the lab in Wuhan, which he described as, "world-class lab of the highest standards." Some of that work, paid for by American taxpayers, went to something called "gain-of-function research." It involved manipulating viruses in a laboratory to make them more transmissible and more deadly. In his YouTube interview, Peter Daszak spoke freely about all of this. At the time, he had no reason not to. Outside of a handful of diplomats, no one had raised concerns about the kind of research into bat viruses, very dangerous research it turns out, that was taking place in Wuhan. According to Peter Daszak, his research, and the grant money that supported it, was necessary to create a vaccine to prevent the next global pandemic. Daszak even explained how easy it is to manipulate a coronavirus.
DASZAK: Coronavirus is a pretty good...You can manipulate them in the lab pretty easily. It's spike protein. Spike protein drives a lot of what happens with the coronavirus, zoonotic risk. So you can get the sequence, build the protein. And we worked with Ralph Barrack at UNC to do this. Insert into a backbone of another virus and then do some work in the lab.
"You can manipulate them pretty easily" in a lab. That recorded on December 9, 2019. It wasn't long before Peter Daszak stopping giving interviews about his lab experiments. People were starting to ask uncomfortable questions. Wasn't there an advanced virology lab with a history of sloppy containment protocols, very close to where the first out outbreak occurred? Well yes there was. But Peter Daszak didn't want to talk to about that. So he and other bureaucrats at the World Health Organization came up with an alternative explanation for the pandemic.
TUCKER CARLSON: HOW THE PANDEMIC HAS MADE FOOLS OF THE SO-CALLED 'EXPERTS'
The virus, they told the world, had most likely emerged from an exotic mammal that form some reason was being sold in a seafood market in Wuhan. That's what happened. The media bought that explanation. Later we discovered that was not true. There was never any evidence that COVID infections originated in a pangolin eaten for food.

The locals in Wuhan laughed at that idea. Peter Daszak didn't apologize. He just kept deflecting attention from the lab.

In April, he told the show DemocracyNow that, "The idea that this virus escaped from a lab is just pure baloney. It's simply not true. I've been working with that lab for 15 years. They're some of the best scientists in the world."

Daszak has pushed that line ever since. Relentlessly.

Last summer, he wrote an op-ed in The Guardian entitled, "Ignore the conspiracy theories: scientists know Covid-19 wasn't created in a lab." Then made the point on Twitter repeatedly.

DASZAK: "[Gain-of-function] research has nothing to do with the origin of COVID unless you believe the conspiracy theories. Why mix the two together if the virus came from bats, which is what all the evidence suggests?"

Almost every media outlet in this country dutifully repeated Daszak's claims as fact. As early as January, National Public Radio reported, "A wet market Wuhan, China, is catching the blame as the probable source of the current coronavirus outbreak that's sweeping the globe." That was fast. It was a few days into the pandemic, and it wasn't clear that NPR had sent anyone to the ground in Wuhan, but somehow they knew exactly where the virus came from half a world away in central China.

National Geographic, famous for its expeditions, also determined, somehow, that the issue was settled. "Wet markets launched the coronavirus," they wrote. "Here's what you need to know."

So, the investigative reporters were satisfied with no investigation. But some people still had questions. One of them was Alina Chan, who's a molecular biologist at the Broad Institute at Harvard and MIT. Chan noticed something odd about the coronavirus. Its genome hadn't changed much over time, even though it, the virus, had undergone trillions of replications. That's strange. Normally, viruses that jump from animals to human have to adapt quickly to their human hosts. That's what the last SARS virus did, in 2003. Early-stage SARS viruses looked very different from SARS viruses later in the pandemic. But this coronavirus wasn't behaving that way. In fact, it seemed like it was custom-built for human transmission.
LAURA INGRAHAM SLAMS CDC'S 'DOOM AND GLOOM' OUTLOOK ON CORONAVIRUS: MEDICAL LEFT IS 'HOLDING ONTO POWER'
When Chan published a paper on her findings, Peter Daszak attacked her to any reporter who would listen. He called Chan's conclusions "preposterous" and a "conspiracy theory." Most media organizations followed suit, and the story went away.

After all, Alina Chan was just one molecular biologist. What did she know? She was easy enough to ignore.

That's, of course, exactly what happened to a Chinese virologist, Dr. Li-Meng Yang, whom we spoke to on this show. Yang was working in Wuhan in the early days of the pandemic, but the American media dismissed her as a, nut, a conspiracy theorist. There's nothing to see here. Go away, crazy Chinese lady. And so she did.

But going forward, it may be much more difficult to dismiss this story. On Sunday, the former Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Robert Redfield, told CNN that based on everything he knows, he too believes the coronavirus likely came from the lab in Wuhan.
REDFIELD: I am of the point of view that I still think the most likely ideology of this pathogen in Wuhan was from a laboratory, escaped. Other people don't believe that. That's fine. Science will eventually figure it out. It's not unusual for respiratory pathogens that are being worked on in a laboratory to infect the laboratory worker.
It's hard to dismiss Robert Redfield as a QAnon enthusiast or a lunatic. He's not. Redfield is a former Army officer who has spent his life studying virology. That doesn't mean he's always right about everything, and in fact, he's often been wrong during this pandemic. But it does mean that what he says is worth assessing carefully. That's supposed to be what journalists do for a living. They look into claims that have some merit, not proven, but should be looked into. Especially claims that have enormous implications for this country.
PSAKI SAYS WHO REPORT ON CORONAVIRUS ORIGIN 'LACKS TRANSPARENCY'
But that's not what happened. The scientists over at MSNBC and CNN -- the same people who silenced Alina Chan got to work immediately.
ERIN BURNETT, CNN: Former CDC director, Robert Redfield, told our own Sanjay Gupta in a new CNN documentary, that he believes COVID-19 originated from a lab in Wuhan, even though, obviously, there has been no formal evidence to support the theory. SCOTT GOTTLIEB, CBS: You know, the lab-leak theory doesn't seem like a plausible theory unless you aggregate the biggest collection of coronaviruses and put them in a lab. ALI VELSHI, MSNBC: The theory that the virus originated in a lab in Wuhan, China. But tonight Dr. Anthony Fauci tells national geographic that, "This virus could not have been artificially or deliberately manipulated." CHRIS HAYES MSNBC: Both scientist and U.S. intelligence community agree, that this virus was not man made. That is not a possibility it came from a natural source, it didn't come from a lab...A lot of people on the right love that phrase "escape from the lab" because it sounds like something from Marvel movie or comic book. It sounds like they are talking about a man made virus that China was weaponizing that got out of control.
So scientists and the U.S. intelligence community are unanimous: it did not come from a lab. What's so interesting, of course, is we don't know. There isn't conclusive evidence in either direction. So why were these self-appointed TV doctors and talking heads instantly making it political and instantly claiming something they can't prove. The New York Times immediately published a hit piece entitled, "Ex-CDC Director Favors Debunked Covid-19 Origin Theory." According to the Times, "intelligence agencies ... [have] no evidence that the coronavirus had escaped from the lab."
WHO CHIEF SAYS CORONAVIRUS ORIGIN REPORT NOT 'EXTENSIVE ENOUGH' ON LAB ASSESSMENT
That's not exactly true. It's not a settled question. Last April, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence released a statement noting that the intelligence community has not ruled out a leak from the lab in Wuhan.

Intelligence officials said that they will, "continue to rigorously examine emerging information and intelligence to determine whether the outbreak began through contact with infected animals or if it was the result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan." As recently as just last month, the Director of National Intelligence stood by that statement.

So, why are so many trying to dismiss these claims out of hand, as if they know? Why are they trying to make the former CDC director be quiet? Part of the answer, of course: to protect China. The World Health Organization is funded by China, and they're certainly working hard to do that. This week, the WHO Released what it called a "report" on the origins of the coronavirus. There was only one researcher based in the United States who participated in the WHO's investigation into the origin of the virus. Guess who it was? Peter Daszak. Surprise, surprise.
WAPO COLUMNIST SLAMS NY TIMES FOR DISMISSING EX-CDC DIRECTOR'S THEORY CORONAVIRUS CAME FROM WUHAN LAB
Now guess what Daszak and his colleagues discovered in their "investigation"? A lot of Chinese innocence. In the WHO's 120-page report on the origins of the coronavirus, only two pages were devoted to the possibility the virus may have come from a lab.

"Although rare, laboratory accidents do happen, and different laboratories around the world are working with bat coronaviruses," the report admits. And yes, it says, "The Wuhan CDC laboratory moved on 2nd December 2019 to a new location near the [wet] market. Such moves can be disruptive for the operations of any laboratory."

But don't get the wrong idea, says the WHO. It is "extremely unlikely" the virus came from a lab. Why is it so unlikely, exactly?

"There is no record of viruses closely related to [the coronavirus] in any laboratory before December 2019, or genomes that in combination could provide a SARS-CoV-2 genome."

In other words, we didn't find a paper trail because China didn't leave one.
TRUMP ACCUSES FAUCI, BRIX OF 'TRYING TO REINVENT HISTORY' ON COVID-19 RESPONSE
But, the WHO would like you to know, if anyone could keep deadly viruses from escaping into the rest of the world, it's the Wuhan Institute of Virology. "The three laboratories in Wuhan working with either [coronavirus] diagnostics and/or [coronavirus] isolation and vaccine development all had high quality biosafety level facilities that were well-managed," the report read.

Case closed. By the way, this is contradicted by first-hand testimony of American diplomats who went into the lab and said "wow, this looks dangerous." But according to the WHO, China and the World Health Organization did nothing wrong, so stop asking questions. And yet it's interesting that people won't stop. Some people are continuing to ask. On Sunday, a former national security official told CBS that the WHO report has all the credibility of a North Korean evening news broadcast.

Jamie Metzl, served in the Clinton administration and then the WHO advisory committee, can't be described as a right-winger. But this was too much, and Jamie Metzl said so.
METZL: I wouldn't really call what's happened now an investigation. It's essentially a highly-chaperoned, highly-curated study tour...Everybody around the world is imagining this is some kind of full investigation. It's not. This group of experts only saw what the Chinese government wanted them to see...It was agreed first that China would have veto power over who even got to be on the mission...WHO agreed to that...Imagine if we have asked the Soviet Union to do a co-investigation of Chernobyl. It doesn't really make sense. DAUGHTER OF NY NURSING HOME VICTIM SLAMS GOV. GUOMO OVER PRIORITIZED TESTING FOR BROTHER, A CNN ANCHOR
So why are so many people in positions of authority, including the so-called scientific community, so adamant that there's nothing to see here?

Here's one suggestion: last year, Richard Ebright, a microbiologist at Rutgers, sat for an interview with Boston Magazine. He explained why the scientific community might want to hide the origins of a pandemic like this. He said, "For the substantial subset of virologists who perform gain-of-function research, avoiding restrictions on research funding, avoiding implementation of appropriate biosafety standards, and avoiding implementation of appropriate research oversight are powerful motivators."

Another scientist, Antonio Regalado from MIT, was more direct about it. If it's determined the virus came from a lab, Regalado said, it would, "shatter the scientific edifice, top to bottom."
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The scientific edifice is one thing everyone in Washington would like to see preserved. It's what gave politicians the power they've abused for the past year -- the power to change elections, to eliminate thousands of small businesses, to make certain industries much richer and more powerful and destroy others.

Tomorrow, the Biden administration is not going to announce a new investigation into the origins of the coronavirus. They're happy with the WHO report. Instead, they're going to announce one of the largest tax hikes in this country's history. Maybe the largest. It's projected to total between three and four trillion dollars. Most of the cost will fall on the middle class. At one point, the Biden people even tried to work in a gas tax, just to make sure hourly workers were hurt most.

Meanwhile, China, whose recklessness and dishonesty knocked America from global preeminence and destroyed millions of lives in the process, doesn't have to pay a cent. They're richer, and we're getting poorer. Expect that trend to continue. Here's the interesting thing: no one's even suggesting reparations from China for COVID. No one can even utter the word. Reparations are for America to pay, always.
This article is adapted from Tucker Carlson's opening commentary on the March 30, 2021 edition of "Tucker Carlson Tonight"

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Tucker Carlson: Why the media, scientific community and WHO won't investigate COVID origins

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A remarkable twist in a tragedy, still ongoing, with effects that have transformed this country forever: just days before authorities reported the first cases of the coronavirus in Wuhan, a top inspector at the World Health Organization sat for an interview that was broadcast on YouTube. The inspector was a man called Peter Daszak.

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https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201008/coronavirus-can-survive-on-skin-nine-hours#:~:text=Researchers%20in%20Japan%20have%20discovered,journal%20Clinical%20Infectious%20Diseases.

"Researchers in Japan have discovered the coronavirus can survive on human skin for up to nine hours"

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Lung diseases are some of the most common medical conditions in the world. Tens of millions of people have lung disease in the U.S. alone. Smoking, infections, and genes cause most lung diseases.

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Lung diseases are some of the most common medical conditions in the world. Tens of millions of people have lung disease in the U.S. alone. Smoking, infections, and genes cause most lung diseases.

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https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2021/05/09/as-covid-19-vaccine-microchip-conspiracy-theories-spread-here-are-some-responses/

vaccine myths, namely the microchip theory.

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Some people have been claiming that Covid-19 vaccines include tracking microchips without offering ... [+]
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Is this a microchip off the old block situation?

You know all those Covid-19 vaccine microchip conspiracy theories that have been spreading since last year? The ones claiming that vaccinations are actually injecting tiny devices that will allow everyone to be tracked? Well, such theories have since spawned a whole new phenomenon that seems to be going a bit viral itself: jokes about vaccine microchips. Yes, when those go-to "knock knock" jokes don't seem to be working anymore on a date or at a party, there's a whole new category of one-liners that you can now "inject" into your conversations, so to speak.

The Covid-19 vaccine microchip conspiracy theories began emerging last year even before the vaccines became available. The theories maintained that vaccination was just an excuse to inject some type of microchip into you that could then allow someone to track you and your behaviors. For example, such claims appeared in the conspiracy theory-loaded "Planet Lockdown" video, which I previously covered for Forbes. And, as described by the Associated Press, Sandoval Iñiguez, an emeritus archbishop of the archdiocese of Guadalajara, had posted a video on Facebook in which he spoke of "the chip that they are planning to put in the vaccine to control you, it is the mark of the beast." Of course, it is ironic that he posted the video on Facebook, one thing that is definitely tracking you.

Then there are those who have suggested that billionaire Bill Gates is the mastermind behind the whole tracking microchip thing. Just take a look at the following exchange:

How did Gates get embroiled in such a conspiracy theory? As described by Jack Goodman and Flora Carmichael for the BBC, the rumors began after Gates had said before the pandemic that eventually "we will have some digital certificates" to track who has received different vaccines. He didn't mention microchips or tracking other behaviors at all but this somehow was eventually twisted into the "Bill Gates using vaccines to implant microchips" conspiracy theory. Isn't this a bit like claiming that whenever your use the words "squirrel" and "nuts" in the same sentence, you must be referring to squirrel genitals?

Gates is not the only person implicated by such conspiracy theories. Some have claimed that the government, the Deep State, Anthony Fauci, George Soros, or a host of other people are involved. While the existing microchip conspiracy theories have varied somewhat, there has been one consistent theme: the general shortage of real scientific evidence to support such claims. Because, these days, who needs to actually back up what you have to say, right? Hasn't "fake it until you make it" become a driving principle for so many?

Nevertheless, these microchip conspiracy theories have become so pervasive that public health officials have actually had to make announcements like the following:

Yes, it's gotten so bad that the Rhode Island Department of Health actually had to tell everyone, "despite what you may have heard, Covid-19 vaccines will not change your personality, make you grow a third eye, or alter your DNA. They are definitely microchip free." All of this has made it even more difficult to respond appropriately to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic and probably has allowed the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) to do even more damage.

Well, you know the saying: when life gives you lemons, make lemon cheesecake. People have managed to turn these microchip conspiracy theory frowns upside down. "Going to get my microchip" has become a common way of jokingly saying that you are getting the Covid-19 vaccine. If you use this line though, you may want to conclude it with "just joking" or precede it with "I am about to make a joke," since not everyone may realize that it is indeed a joke. For example, when actor French Stewart tweeted about the microchip messing with his reception, here is the reception that he received:

Presumably, Stewart was joking about the microchip. Either way, don't expect your body to pick up WiFi, interfere with your other devices, or start chatting with Siri. Similarly, don't expect to hear sounds of the Windows operating system booting up after you get the Covid-19 vaccine:

Nah, chances are you'll wake up to the same old sounds that you are used to, such as an alarm clock, your pillow singing, "stay with me," and perhaps a fart.

And there's no truth to the rumors that the microchip will give you special powers:

Or that there is even a tracking microchip in the Covid-19 vaccines. After all, has anyone ever found such a microchip in any of the vaccines? And what exactly would the purpose of such tracking devices be, besides serving some cheesy purpose:

Remember tracking you is something that companies have already been doing through the various devices and platforms that you continue to use every day:

Who knows how long this run of Covid-19 vaccine microchip one-liners and two-liners will go. Will it become part of standard excuses as in "oh, I didn't say or do that, it was actually my microchip" or "I'm sorry that you were offended by what my microchip made me do?" And will it be integrated into dating lexicon like "my microchip tells me that your microchip is the one" or "it's not you, it's not me, it's the microchip" or "is that your microchip or are you happy to see me?" Perhaps only your microchips will really know.
Full coverage and live updates on the Coronavirus

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As Covid-19 Vaccine Microchip Conspiracy Theories Spread, Here Are Responses On Twitter

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Is this a microchip off the old block situation? You know all those Covid-19 vaccine microchip conspiracy theories that have been spreading since last year? The ones claiming that vaccinations are actually injecting tiny devices that will allow everyone to be tracked?

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"Unvaccinated people who had previously contracted COVID-19 and survived were better protected against the Delta variant than those who were only vaccinated, according to a new study published on Wednesday."

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Immunity better against COVID Delta variant than vaccines - new study

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The new study published by the CDC found that people who had been infected by COVID but not vaccinated had a lower risk of getting the Delta variant.

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Vaccines are bad and keep people in fear

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Keep the people in fear! #getyourbooster #getjab #Covaxin #COVID19 #antivax #COVID #Omicron

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Keep the people in fear! #getyourbooster #getjab #Covaxin #COVID19 #antivax #COVID #Omicron https://t.co/nUduoFVUHw

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Keep the people in fear! #getyourbooster #getjab #Covaxin #COVID19 #antivax #COVID #Omicron pic.twitter.com/nUduoFVUHw
— Weberz Way (@WayWeberz) January 13, 2022

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Keep the people in fear! #getyourbooster #getjab #Covaxin #COVID19 #antivax #COVID #Omicron https://t.co/nUduoFVUHw

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Keep the people in fear! #getyourbooster #getjab #Covaxin #COVID19 #antivax #COVID #Omicron https://t.co/nUduoFVUHw

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Keep the people in fear! #getyourbooster #getjab #Covaxin #COVID19 #antivax #COVID #Omicron

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People can have severe allergic reactions to the COVID vaccine. Not recommended for those with severe allergic reactions to vaccines but still recommended for those with allergies to ¨oral medications or a family history of severe allergic reactions may also get vaccinated.¨

¨CDC recommends that people get vaccinated even if they have a history of severe allergic reactions not related to vaccines or injectable medications—such as food, pet, venom, environmental, or latex allergies.¨
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/specific-groups/allergies.html#anchor_1624541541034

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Important update: Healthcare facilities

CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more

COVID-19 Vaccines for People with Allergies

If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination provider site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911. Learn more about COVID-19 Vaccines and Allergic Reactions.

An allergic reaction is considered severe when a person needs to be treated with epinephrine or EpiPen © or if the person must go to the hospital. Experts refer to severe allergic reactions as anaphylaxis.

An immediate allergic reaction happens within 4 hours after getting vaccinated and could include symptoms such as hives, swelling, and wheezing (respiratory distress).

If You Are Allergic to an Ingredient in a COVID-19 Vaccine

If you have had a severe allergic reaction or an immediate allergic reaction-even if it was not severe-to any ingredient in an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, you should not get either of the currently available mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna).

If you have had a severe allergic reaction or an immediate allergic reaction to any ingredient in Johnson & Johnson's Janssen (J&J/Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine, you should not get the J&J/Janssen vaccine.

If you aren't able to get one type of COVID-19 vaccine because you are allergic to an ingredient in that vaccine, ask your doctor if you should get a different type of COVID-19 vaccine. Learn about the different types of COVID-19 vaccines.

Learn what to do if you had an allergic reaction after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

If You Are Allergic to Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) or Polysorbate

PEG and polysorbate are closely related to each other. PEG is an ingredient in the mRNA vaccines, and polysorbate is an ingredient in the J&J/Janssen vaccine.

If you are allergic to PEG, you should not get an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Ask your doctor if you can get the J&J/Janssen vaccine.

If you are allergic to polysorbate, you should not get the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. Ask your doctor if you can get an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

If You Are Allergic to Other Types of Vaccines

If you have had an immediate allergic reaction-even if it was not severe-to a vaccine or injectable therapy for another disease, ask your doctor if you should get a COVID-19 vaccine. Your doctor will help you decide if it is safe for you to get vaccinated.

If You Have Allergies Not Related to Vaccines

CDC recommends that people get vaccinated even if they have a history of severe allergic reactions not related to vaccines or injectable medications-such as food, pet, venom, environmental, or latex allergies. People with a history of allergies to oral medications or a family history of severe allergic reactions may also get vaccinated.

Find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster: Search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you.

hand holding medical light icon

For Healthcare Professionals

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Important update: Healthcare facilities CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more COVID-19 Vaccines for People with Allergies If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination provider site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911.

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You don't need to get vaccinated if you already recovered from Covid-19. (The article states that you should still get vaccinated.)

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As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues, you might have questions about COVID-19 vaccines. Find out about the different types of COVID-19 vaccines, how they work, the possible side effects, and the benefits for you and your family.

Let's set the record straight on some of the myths circulating about COVID-19 vaccines.

Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine is not safe because it was rapidly developed and tested.

Fact: Because there is an urgent need for COVID-19 vaccines and the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) vaccine approval process can take years, the FDA first gave emergency use authorization to COVID-19 vaccines based on less data than is typically required. The data must show that the vaccines are safe and effective before the FDA can give emergency use authorization or approval.

Vaccines with FDA emergency use authorization or approval include:
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
The FDA has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, now called Comirnaty, to prevent COVID-19 in people age 16 and older. The FDA approved Comirnaty after data found the vaccine is safe and effective. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is 91% effective in preventing the COVID-19 virus with symptoms in people age 16 and older.

The vaccine is still under an emergency use authorization for children ages 12-15. The vaccine is 100% effective in preventing COVID-19 in children ages 12-15. It requires two shots given 21 days apart. The second dose can be given up to six weeks after the first dose, if needed.

The vaccine is now also available under an emergency use authorization for children ages 5-11. This vaccine is about 91% effective in preventing COVID-19 in children ages 5-11. It requires two shots, given 21 days apart. It also contains a lower dose than the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine used for people age 12 and older.
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
The FDA has approved the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, now called Spikevax, to prevent COVID-19 in people age 18 and older. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is 94% effective in preventing the COVID-19 virus with symptoms. It requires two shots given 28 days apart. The second dose can be given up to six weeks after the first dose, if needed.
Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
In clinical trials, this vaccine was 66% effective in preventing the COVID-19 virus with symptoms - as of 14 days after vaccination. The vaccine also was 85% effective at preventing severe disease with the COVID-19 virus - at least 28 days after vaccination. This vaccine is authorized for people age 18 and older. It requires one shot. If you are given this vaccine, learn about the possible risks and symptoms of a blood-clotting problem.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine over getting the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. But getting any COVID-19 vaccine is better than not getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Myth: I already had COVID-19 and I have recovered, so I don't need to get a COVID-19 vaccine when it's available.

Fact: Getting COVID-19 might offer some natural protection or immunity from reinfection with the virus that causes COVID-19. It's estimated that getting COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination both result in a low risk of another infection with a similar variant for at least six months. But because reinfection is possible and COVID-19 can cause severe medical complications, it's recommended that people who have already had COVID-19 get a COVID-19 vaccine. A recent study showed that unvaccinated people who already had COVID-19 are more than twice as likely as fully vaccinated people to be reinfected with COVID-19.

Recent research also suggests that people who got COVID-19 in 2020 and then received mRNA vaccines produce very high levels of antibodies that are likely effective against current and, possibly, future variants. Some scientists call this hybrid immunity. Further research is needed.

If you were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, there is no need to delay getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Myth: There are severe side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines.

Fact: While many people do not have reactions after vaccination, it is normal if you do. It does not mean you have the COVID-19 infection. It is an indicator that your immune system is responding to the vaccine. If you have a reaction, take some time to rest and allow your body to recover.

A COVID-19 vaccine can cause mild side effects after the first or second dose, including:

Pain, redness or swelling where the shot was given

Fever

Fatigue

Headache

Muscle pain

Chills

Joint pain

Nausea and vomiting

Feeling unwell

Swollen lymph nodes

You'll be monitored for 15 minutes after getting a COVID-19 vaccine to see if you have an allergic reaction.

Most side effects go away in a few days. Side effects after the second dose might be more intense. Many people have no side effects. Side effects of booster shots appear to be similar to side effects experienced after the two-dose or single-dose primary shots. If the redness or tenderness where the shot was given gets worse after 24 hours or you are concerned about any side effects, contact your doctor.

Myth: The COVID-19 vaccines don't work because you can still get COVID after vaccination.

Fact: COVID-19 vaccination will protect most people from getting sick with COVID-19. But some fully vaccinated people will still get COVID-19. These are called vaccine breakthrough infections.

People with vaccine breakthrough infections can spread COVID-19 to others. However, fully vaccinated people with a breakthrough infection are less likely to have serious illness with COVID-19 than those who are unvaccinated. Even when vaccinated people develop symptoms, they tend to be less severe than those experienced by unvaccinated people.

Myth: The current COVID-19 vaccines don't protect against the COVID-19 variants.

Fact: Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified two variants of the virus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as variants of concern:

Delta (B.1.617.2). This variant is nearly twice as contagious as earlier variants and might cause more severe illness. The greatest risk of transmission is among unvaccinated people. People who are fully vaccinated can get vaccine breakthrough infections and spread the virus to others. However, it appears that fully vaccinated people spread COVID-19 for a shorter period than do unvaccinated people. While research suggests that COVID-19 vaccines are slightly less effective against the delta variant, the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines still appear to provide protection against severe COVID-19.

Omicron (B.1.1.529) and BA lineages. The B.1.1.529 variant spreads more easily than the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the delta variant. However, omicron appears to cause less severe disease. People who are fully vaccinated can get breakthrough infections and spread the virus to others. But the COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing severe illness. This variant also reduces the effectiveness of some monoclonal antibody treatments. Omicron has a few major offshoots (sublineages), including BA.1, BA.2 and BA.3. BA.2 made up about 55% of COVID-19 infections that had genetic sequencing in the U.S. during a week in late March, according to the CDC.

Myth: Most people don't need a COVID-19 booster shot.

Fact: An additional primary shot of a COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for people who are vaccinated and might not have had a strong enough immune response.

In contrast, a booster dose is recommended for people who are vaccinated and whose immune response weakened over time. Research suggests that getting a booster dose can decrease your risk of infection and severe illness with COVID-19.

People who have a moderately or severely weakened immune system should get an additional primary shot and a booster shot.

The CDC recommends additional primary shots and booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines in specific instances:

Additional dose
The CDC recommends an additional primary shot of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine for some people with weakened immune systems, such as those who have had an organ transplant. People with weakened immune systems might not develop enough immunity after vaccination with two doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or one dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. An additional shot using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine might improve their protection against COVID-19.

The additional primary shot should be given at least 28 days after a second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or one dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
The additional primary shot should be the same brand as the other two mRNA COVID-19 vaccine doses that were given. If the brand given isn't known, either brand of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine can be given as a third dose.

Booster dose
A single booster dose is recommended for people age 12 and older after getting two doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or one dose of a Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. You can get a booster if you received:

Pfizer
Are age 12 and older and it's been at least five months after completing the primary series. The Pfizer or Moderna booster vaccines are preferred for most people ages 18 and older. Ages 12-17 may only get a Pfizer booster.
Are age 5-11, it's been at least 28 days after completing the primary series, and you are moderately or severely immunocompromised

Moderna
Are age 18 and older and it's been at least five months after completing the primary series

Johnson & Johnson
Are age 18 and older and it's been at least two months after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccination

The Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine boosters are preferred in most situations.

Pregnant women also can get a COVID-19 booster dose.

If you have a weakened immune system, had two doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and an additional primary shot, and it's been at least three months since the additional shot, get a single booster dose. An mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is preferred.

Second booster dose
A second booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for certain people who have a weakened immune system and people age 50 or older. This second booster dose can be given to those eligible four months after a first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine.

Myth: People with existing health conditions should not get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Fact: COVID-19 vaccines are safe for people who have existing health conditions, including conditions that increase the risk of severe illness with COVID-19.
People who have a moderately or severely weakened immune system should get an additional primary shot and a booster shot.

Myth: Children can't get severely sick with COVID-19, so they don't need a COVID-19 vaccine.

Fact: A COVID-19 vaccine can prevent your child from getting COVID-19 and spreading it at home and in school.

If your child gets COVID-19, a COVID-19 vaccine could prevent severe illness. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can also help keep your child in school and more safely have playdates and participate in sports and other group activities.

Myth: I won't need to wear a mask after I get vaccinated for COVID-19.

Fact: You are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after you get a second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or two weeks after you get a single dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

You are considered up to date with your vaccine if you gotten all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including booster doses, when you be eligible.

After getting fully vaccinated, you can more safely return to doing activities that you might not have been able to do because of the pandemic.

However, if you are in an area with a high number of new COVID-19 cases, the CDC recommends wearing a mask indoors in public and outdoors in crowded areas or when you are in close contact with unvaccinated people. If you are fully vaccinated and have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may need to keep wearing a mask.

You also will still be required to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains and other public transportation traveling to, within, or out of the U.S., as well as in places such as airports and train stations.

If you are traveling in the U.S., you don't need to get tested before or after your trip or quarantine after you return. If you are traveling outside of the U.S., you don't need to get tested before you leave the U.S. unless your destination requires it. You still need to show a negative test result or proof that you've recovered from COVID-19 in the past three months before boarding an international flight to the U.S.

If you've gotten all recommended vaccine doses, including boosters and additional primary shots, and you've had close contact with someone who has the COVID-19 virus, get tested at least five days after the contact happens.

Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine was developed to control the general population either through microchip tracking or "nanotransducers" in our brains.

Fact: There is no vaccine microchip, and the vaccine will not track people or gather personal information into a database.

This myth started after comments made by Bill Gates from The Gates Foundation about a digital certificate of vaccine records. The technology he was referencing is not a microchip, has not been implemented in any manner and is not tied to the development, testing or distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

Myth: COVID-19 vaccines will alter my DNA.

Fact: The first COVID-19 vaccines to reach the market were messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. According to the CDC, mRNA vaccines work by instructing cells in the body how to make a protein that triggers an immune response. Injecting mRNA into your body will not interact or do anything to the DNA of your cells. Human cells break down and get rid of the mRNA soon after they have finished using the instructions.

Myth: COVID-19 vaccines were manufactured using fetal tissue.

Fact: Neither the Pfizer/BioNTech nor Moderna vaccines for COVID-19 contain fetal cells, and fetal cells were not used in their development or production.

In two animal studies, researchers performed laboratory testing of the vaccines using historically harvested fetal cell lines. However, both animal studies were conducted after these vaccines were already in phase 3 clinical trials.

Myth: COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility or miscarriage.

Fact: It's recommended that you get a COVID-19 vaccine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant or might become pregnant in the future. There is no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems in men or women.

It's not clear if getting COVID-19 or a COVID-19 vaccine causes changes in menstruation. A new study of about 4,000 people suggest that getting a COVID-19 vaccine is linked with a less than one-day change in menstrual cycle length for each does.

Keep in mind that many things can affect menstrual cycles, including infections, stress, sleep problems and changes in diet or exercise.

Myth: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Fact: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it's recommended that you get a COVID-19 vaccine. The overall risk of COVID-19 to pregnant women is low. However, women who are pregnant or were recently pregnant are at increased risk of severe illness with COVID-19. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can protect you from severe illness due to COVID-19. Vaccination can also help pregnant women build antibodies that might protect their babies.

COVID-19 vaccines don't cause infection with the COVID-19 virus, including in pregnant women or their babies. None of the COVID-19 vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. Also, keep in mind that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines don't alter your DNA.

Findings from a study of more than 40,000 women show that getting a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy poses no serious risks for pregnant women who were vaccinated or their babies. Most of the women in the study received an mRNA vaccine. (24) In addition, vaccines that use the same viral vector as the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine have been given to pregnant women in each trimester of pregnancy in clinical trials. No harmful effects were found.

Myth: I am allergic to eggs so I shouldn't get the COVID-19 vaccine

Fact: Neither the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine nor the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines contain egg nor were eggs used the development or production of either vaccine. However, those with severe allergic reactions to eggs or any other substance (i.e., anaphylaxis) are encouraged to remain after vaccination for 30 minutes for observation.

Myth: COVID-19 vaccines must be stored at extremely low temperatures because of preservatives in the vaccines.

Fact: Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna have reported that their vaccines contain no preservatives.

Different vaccines have different storage requirements. For instance, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine must be stored at minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 70 degrees Celsius), while Moderna has said that its vaccine needs to be stored at minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 20 degrees Celsius). Both of these vaccines use messenger RNA, or mRNA, to teach your cells how to make a protein that will trigger an immune response to COVID-19. However, messenger RNA is fragile and can break down easily. Storing messenger RNA vaccines, like these COVID-19 vaccines, in an ultracold environment keeps them stable and safe.

You should not worry about these temperatures. Vaccines are thawed before injection.

We encourage you to share this story with others.
Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting. Due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientific understanding, along with guidelines and recommendations, may have changed since the original publication date.

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As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues, you might have questions about COVID-19 vaccines. Find out about the different types of COVID-19 vaccines, how they work, the possible side effects, and the benefits for you and your family. Let's set the record straight on some of the myths circulating about COVID-19 vaccines.

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You can get a face mask exemption card so you don’t need to wear a mask.

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Posted June 30, 2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, health care organizations like Johns Hopkins Medicine are focusing all of their efforts on slowing the spread of the new coronavirus and caring for patients. In a situation like this when information is rapidly changing, myths, rumors and misinformation often begin. Social media and other digital platforms can help spread these myths extremely quickly and make them appear correct. Rumors and misinformation can also easily circulate in communities during a crisis.

Fake Face Mask Exemptions

A recent rumor concerns fake face mask exemptions. Fake cards and flyers, claiming that the bearer is exempt from mask-wearing regulations, have shown up in some areas. The cards, which some people have purchased online, may have official-looking logos or government insignias on them. They claim that the person carrying them has a physical or mental condition covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that makes them unable to wear a face mask or covering.

The United States Department of Justice has issued a statement about these fake mask exemptions, explaining that these cards and flyers are fraudulent.

People have tried to use the fake cards to avoid having to wear a mask in public places that require them, such as some stores and restaurants. The cards are not issued by the U.S. government and are not backed by the ADA.

#COVID-19, #Coronavirus Social Media Rumors

Rumors about the new coronavirus, including ones citing Johns Hopkins immunologists, infectious disease experts and other specialists, lack credibility because they are not published by Johns Hopkins Medicine. Medical information about the new coronavirus published on Johns Hopkins Medicine is reviewed by experts in the fields of infection prevention, emergency management and emergency medicine.

Our response to all rumors is to consult our Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Updates resource center for the most up-to-date information from Johns Hopkins Medicine.

How can you spot a rumor?

When evaluating information you find on social media or other outlets, it is important to follow these guidelines:

Use trusted sources, such as official government or health care websites and social media channels.

Evaluate other information from the source, including links and sources, to see if it appears reliable.

Search other credible resources to see if they are sharing similar information.

Learn more about coronavirus myths

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Self-Checker

Check symptoms. Protect yourself. Get information.

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Coronavirus Myths, Rumors and Misinformation | Johns Hopkins Medicine

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Posted June 30, 2020 As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, health care organizations like Johns Hopkins Medicine are focusing all of their efforts on slowing the spread of the new coronavirus and caring for patients. In a situation like this when information is rapidly changing, myths, rumors and misinformation often begin.

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How it spreads
It is thought to spread mainly from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

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Covid-19 vaccines leads to the formation of variants (False).

"New variants of a virus happen because the virus that causes COVID-19 constantly changes through a natural ongoing process of mutation (change)."

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Important update: Healthcare facilities

CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more

Bust Myths and Learn the Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines

Finding Credible Vaccine Information

Accurate vaccine information can help stop common myths and rumors. Yet, it can be difficult to know which sources of information you can trust.

Before considering vaccine information on the Internet, check that the information comes from a credible source and is updated on a regular basis. While the Internet is a useful tool for researching health-related issues, it should not replace a discussion with a healthcare professional.

Learn more about finding credible vaccine information.

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Learn the facts about the authorized COVID-19 vaccines and bust common myths. CDC recommends eligible people age 5 and older get vaccinated.

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Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after someone is exposed to the virus.

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Vaccines contain microchips (FALSE)

¨No metals like iron, nickel, cobalt, titanium, rare earth alloys, or any manufactured products like microelectronics, electrodes, carbon nanotubes or other nanostructures, or nanowire semiconductors.¨
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Pfizer-BioNTech.html

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Objective data covid cases overtime form the CDC.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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CDC's home for COVID-19 data. Visualizations, graphs, and data in one easy-to-use website.

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Objective data covid cases overtime form the CDC.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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CDC's home for COVID-19 data. Visualizations, graphs, and data in one easy-to-use website.

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Covid 19 is spread through 5G networks (false)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7443554/

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Gossip and rumors are not only diminishing the mental health status, but also may be interfering with the processes of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of COVID-19. Therefore, planning strategies for coping with fake news during this crisis should be considered by the government and the health authorities.

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Bathing, injecting, or swallowing disinfect products will protect you from covid-19. This is extremely misleading information and can result in severe bodily damage and even death.

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Infectious Diseases

Featured Experts:

Updated September 21, 2021

A lot of information is circulating about COVID-19, so it's important to know what's true and what's not.

Lisa Maragakis, M.D., M.P.H., senior director of infection prevention, and Gabor Kelen, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response, answer your questions.

TRUE or FALSE? A negative COVID test means you are safe.
The answer is false.
If you get a COVID-19 test and the result is negative, that means you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected. But if you get tested too soon after exposure to the coronavirus, it could be too early for signs of infection to show up on the test. Also, testing negative for the coronavirus now does not mean you cannot become infected in the future or that you are immune from getting COVID-19.

TRUE or FALSE? Quercetin, essential oils and other supplements can protect you from the coronavirus or treat COVID-19.

The answer is false.

Taking quercetin, zinc, or vitamin D and other nutritional supplements cannot prevent or treat coronavirus infection or COVID-19. The same is true of essential oils - they are not effective to prevent coronavirus disease. The best ways to stay safe from COVID-19 are getting vaccinated, wearing a mask (especially in crowded or indoor settings), keeping your hands clean and practicing physical distancing.

TRUE or FALSE? Herd immunity will end the coronavirus pandemic, so vaccinations are not necessary.
The answer is false.
Herd immunity is a term that refers to cases of an infectious disease slowing down and stopping when enough people in a population have immunity, either from getting and surviving a disease or from being vaccinated.

For COVID-19, letting people get the disease would result in many people getting severely sick, suffering lasting organ damage and even dying before herd immunity could occur.

Being vaccinated for COVID-19 drastically reduces your chance of having severe COVID-19 if you are exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes the disease. Immunity from the vaccine may last longer than immunity from having COVID-19. Also, vaccination reduces the number of infections that give the coronavirus an opportunity to mutate (change). Mutations (variants) of the virus (such as the contagious delta variant) can delay or even prevent herd immunity from being reached.

TRUE or FALSE? Ivermectin cures or prevents COVID-19.
The answer is false.
Ivermectin is a medicine that controls parasites in animals and humans. Irresponsible and misleading reports are circulating in social media and elsewhere that taking the drug is a safe way to prevent or cure COVID-19. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not authorized or approved the use of ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19. The FDA has received reports of humans taking veterinary ivermectin. The formulas for horses and other animals are different than for people and can be very toxic (poisonous) to humans. Taking ivermectin for nonapproved reasons or in large doses can be harmful, and can lead to hospitalization and even death.

TRUE or FALSE? Warm water or saline will protect you from getting sick if you're exposed to the coronavirus.
The answer is false.
False reports are circulating that drinking or bathing in warm or hot water, or washing out the inside of your nose with saline (salt) solution, will protect you from COVID-19 if you are exposed to the coronavirus. These reports are not true. The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is very tiny and cannot be rinsed or washed out of the throat or nasal passages. The best ways to prevent infection are to get vaccinated, wear a mask, and practice hand hygiene and physical distancing.

TRUE or FALSE? Children can get COVID-19.
The answer is true.
Children can get COVID-19. In most cases, COVID-19 seems to be milder in young children than in adults, but parents and caregivers should understand that children can be infected with the coronavirus and transmit it to others.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends a COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 and older. Johns Hopkins Medicine encourages all families to have eligible children vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, Pfizer's vaccine is the only approved COVID-19 vaccine for children.

COVID-19 cases in children are increasing. This is partly because the available COVID-19 vaccines have only been recently authorized for children age 5 -11. The widespread circulation in the U.S. of the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus is another factor.

In rare cases, children infected with the coronavirus can develop a serious lung infection and become very sick with COVID-19, and deaths have occurred. That's why it is important to follow proven COVID-19 precautions such as wearing a mask when in public, indoor places to reduce the chance of becoming infected with the coronavirus. We can help protect children who are too young to be vaccinated by ensuring that all of the eligible people around them get vaccinated.

TRUE or FALSE? You can get a face mask exemption card so you don't need to wear a mask.
The answer is false.
Fake cards and flyers claiming that the bearers are exempt from mask-wearing regulations have shown up in some areas. The cards, which some people have bought online, may have official-looking logos or government insignias. They claim that people carrying them have a physical or mental condition covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that makes them unable to wear a face mask or covering.

The US. Department of Justice issued a statement about these fake mask exemptions, explaining that the cards and flyers are fraudulent.

People have tried to use the fake cards to avoid wearing a mask in public places that require them, such as some stores and restaurants. The cards are not issued by the U.S. government and are not backed by the ADA.

TRUE or FALSE? You can protect yourself from COVID-19 by injecting, swallowing, bathing in or rubbing onto your body bleach, disinfectants or rubbing alcohols.
The answer is false.
These products are highly toxic and should never be swallowed or injected into the body. Call 911 if this occurs.

Disinfectants, bleach, and soap and water may be used to clean surfaces, an important step in stopping the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Never attempt to self-treat or prevent COVID-19 by rubbing or bathing anywhere on your body with bleach, disinfectants or rubbing alcohol. Effective hand sanitizers do contain alcohol, but they are formulated to be safe for use on hands.
Learn more about protecting yourself from the coronavirus and COVID-19.
TRUE or FALSE? A vaccine to prevent COVID-19 is available.
The answer is true.
COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and one has received full FDA approval. Johns Hopkins Medicine views all FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines as highly effective at preventing serious disease, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccine safety and what you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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To help you better understand what's happening and cut through the confusion, here are some common myths.

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Andy Merida Mendoza - You can get COVID-19 from the vaccines. This is FALSE. 

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Andy Merida Mendoza - You can get COVID-19 from the vaccines. This is FALSE. 

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I have heard that the Vaccine itself gives you COVID-19

“There’s no live virus in the vaccines, so they can’t infect you,” says Dr. Cunningham. “Basically, the vaccines make our bodies produce one single protein from the virus—the protein that infects our cells. By making that protein, we prevent infection. You might have side effects like a headache or chills, but that’s because your body is creating an immune response, not because you have an infection.”

https://www.henryford.com/blog/2021/08/vaccine-myths

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Three safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines are available in the United States: Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. All three have been put through rigorous clinical trials to determine their safety and efficacy, and all three have been proven to greatly reduce the chance of contracting COVID-19. These vaccines, in short, are life savers. They are a critical piece of the puzzle to stopping new variants from spreading and ensuring that COVID-19 will no longer be a pandemic that threatens the lives of those in our community and around the world.

But although the vaccines have been in use for more than a year (clinical trials first began in mid 2020), rumors are still circulating about the COVID-19 vaccines. To set the record straight, Dennis Cunningham, M.D., medical director of infection control and prevention at Henry Ford Health System, debunks 10 vaccine myths.

1. Myth: The vaccines aren't safe because they were developed quickly. This is FALSE.

"The COVID-19 vaccines themselves were developed quickly, but the clinical trials to examine safety and efficacy weren't rushed at all," says Dr. Cunningham. "Safety was not compromised in any way. What happened quickly was finding the vaccine to test. In the 1980s, it took scientists so long to do this, but thanks to scientific advances we've made over the years, we can find viruses so quickly."

Also, he adds, COVID-19 is similar to other coronaviruses we've seen in humans, like MERS and SARS, so there was previous research that could be used to speed up the process.

2. Myth: The vaccines can lead to long-term effects. This is FALSE.

"With vaccines, if there is going to be a complication or side effect (like an allergic reaction, for example) it will occur within minutes to hours of receiving the vaccine," says Dr. Cunningham. "If we're not seeing serious side effects now, we can pretty much know it will be safe down the road."

Also, while the COVID-19 vaccines may be new, the mRNA technology used to create them has been used for decades in treatments for cancer, influenza, Zika and rabies. This experience has informed us that unknown, delayed side effects show up within two months of receiving the vaccine. These vaccines have been in use for many months, since the first vaccine trials were conducted over a year ago. There are no long-term side effects to worry about.

3. Myth: You can get COVID-19 from the vaccines. This is FALSE.

"There's no live virus in the vaccines, so they can't infect you," says Dr. Cunningham. "Basically, the vaccines make our bodies produce one single protein from the virus-the protein that infects our cells. By making that protein, we prevent infection. You might have side effects like a headache or chills, but that's because your body is creating an immune response, not because you have an infection."

4. Myth: I've already had COVID-19, so I don't need to get vaccinated. This is FALSE.

Even if you have already had COVID-19, you should get vaccinated. New data shows that the vaccines provide better protection against the COVID-19 variants than natural immunity after infection.

"If you have had COVID-19, research suggests you have some natural protection from your own antibodies," says Dr. Cunningham. "However, we don't know how effective that protection is or how long it will last. A benefit of getting vaccinated is that you will have a higher, more predictable level of protection against the virus." Future research will tell us more about exactly how long we are protected after vaccination.

5. Myth: People with underlying conditions shouldn't get vaccinated. This is FALSE.

People who have underlying conditions-like diabetes and heart disease, for example-are at a high risk for getting complications from COVID-19, so it's even more reason why they should get vaccinated, says Dr. Cunningham. If you have concerns, talk to the doctor who is helping you manage the condition.

6. Myth: People with suppressed immune systems shouldn't get vaccinated. This is FALSE.

People with suppressed immune systems (like from cancer treatments or autoimmune diseases) should definitely get vaccinated. "The vaccines will not hurt you since they don't contain a live virus," says Dr. Cunningham. "Those with suppressed immune systems will still get protection from COVID-19, just not as much protection as those with healthy immune systems." Again, talk with your doctor if you have specific concerns.

7. Myth: The COVID-19 vaccines will alter your DNA. This is FALSE.

"The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines use messenger RNA (mRNA) to protect us from COVID-19, and I think that is where this rumor comes from," says Dr. Cunningham. "mRNA gives our cells the blueprints for the factories that will build the protein to protect us from COVID-19. People get scared that mRNA will cause the virus to go into our DNA and mutate us, but it does not even go into the center part of the cell where we have our DNA. It doesn't affect DNA at all."

8. Myth: If you get vaccinated, it could make you infertile. This is FALSE.

There is absolutely no data from the clinical trials or any theoretical reason as to why or how the vaccines could cause infertility. Women who participated in the COVID-19 clinical trials were able to conceive after vaccination. "In fact, we know that pregnant women with COVID-19 infections are at a higher risk of having a miscarriage or going into premature labor, which is all the more reason to get vaccinated," says Dr. Cunningham.

9. Myth: If I'm pregnant or breastfeeding, I shouldn't get vaccinated. This is FALSE.

It is safe to get vaccinated during any stage of pregnancy or while breastfeeding. "If you get vaccinated during your third trimester, you could potentially pass protective COVID-19 antibodies to the baby, but it is safe to get vaccinated during any stage of pregnancy," says Dr. Cunningham. "And evidence has shown that breastfeeding people who have received COVID-19 mRNA vaccines have antibodies in their breastmilk, which could help protect their babies from COVID-19."

10. Myth: I don't need to get vaccinated because I'm young and healthy. This is FALSE.

While young, healthy people are less likely to get sick than older people, they can and have ended up in the ICU with COVID-19. And even if they remain asymptomatic, they can have long-haul symptoms for months after the virus has cleared their system.

Also: they can unknowingly carry COVID-19 to those who are more vulnerable and put loved ones in danger of becoming severely sick. "The key to ending the pandemic is having everyone get vaccinated-not just those who are most vulnerable," says Dr. Cunningham.

Still need your COVID-19 vaccine? Schedule an appointment.
Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines. Dr. Dennis Cunningham is the medical director of infection control and prevention at Henry Ford Health System.

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10 Rumors About The COVID-19 Vaccines That Aren't True

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Three safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines are available in the United States: Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. All three have been put through rigorous clinical trials to determine their safety and efficacy, and all three have been proven to greatly reduce the chance of contracting COVID-19. These vaccines, in short, are life savers.

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Covid-19 survives a long time on clothing
(article proves false)
https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/HealthU/2020/08/27/how-long-does-coronavirus-last-on-clothes#.YenDa4jMLrc

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How Long Does Coronavirus Last On Clothes?

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After you return home from your weekly supermarket run, do you throw what you wore straight into the laundry machine to avoid picking up the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)? What about after you visit the barber shop? Some people feel calmer and more in control when they remove clothing that they’ve wo…

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Herd Immunity does not mean that Covid-19 will end. In many cases the patient will die before herd immunity can occur

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Infectious Diseases

Featured Experts:

Updated September 21, 2021

A lot of information is circulating about COVID-19, so it's important to know what's true and what's not.

Lisa Maragakis, M.D., M.P.H., senior director of infection prevention, and Gabor Kelen, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response, answer your questions.

TRUE or FALSE? A negative COVID test means you are safe.
The answer is false.
If you get a COVID-19 test and the result is negative, that means you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected. But if you get tested too soon after exposure to the coronavirus, it could be too early for signs of infection to show up on the test. Also, testing negative for the coronavirus now does not mean you cannot become infected in the future or that you are immune from getting COVID-19.

TRUE or FALSE? Quercetin, essential oils and other supplements can protect you from the coronavirus or treat COVID-19.

The answer is false.

Taking quercetin, zinc, or vitamin D and other nutritional supplements cannot prevent or treat coronavirus infection or COVID-19. The same is true of essential oils - they are not effective to prevent coronavirus disease. The best ways to stay safe from COVID-19 are getting vaccinated, wearing a mask (especially in crowded or indoor settings), keeping your hands clean and practicing physical distancing.

TRUE or FALSE? Herd immunity will end the coronavirus pandemic, so vaccinations are not necessary.
The answer is false.
Herd immunity is a term that refers to cases of an infectious disease slowing down and stopping when enough people in a population have immunity, either from getting and surviving a disease or from being vaccinated.

For COVID-19, letting people get the disease would result in many people getting severely sick, suffering lasting organ damage and even dying before herd immunity could occur.

Being vaccinated for COVID-19 drastically reduces your chance of having severe COVID-19 if you are exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes the disease. Immunity from the vaccine may last longer than immunity from having COVID-19. Also, vaccination reduces the number of infections that give the coronavirus an opportunity to mutate (change). Mutations (variants) of the virus (such as the contagious delta variant) can delay or even prevent herd immunity from being reached.

TRUE or FALSE? Ivermectin cures or prevents COVID-19.
The answer is false.
Ivermectin is a medicine that controls parasites in animals and humans. Irresponsible and misleading reports are circulating in social media and elsewhere that taking the drug is a safe way to prevent or cure COVID-19. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not authorized or approved the use of ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19. The FDA has received reports of humans taking veterinary ivermectin. The formulas for horses and other animals are different than for people and can be very toxic (poisonous) to humans. Taking ivermectin for nonapproved reasons or in large doses can be harmful, and can lead to hospitalization and even death.

TRUE or FALSE? Warm water or saline will protect you from getting sick if you're exposed to the coronavirus.
The answer is false.
False reports are circulating that drinking or bathing in warm or hot water, or washing out the inside of your nose with saline (salt) solution, will protect you from COVID-19 if you are exposed to the coronavirus. These reports are not true. The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is very tiny and cannot be rinsed or washed out of the throat or nasal passages. The best ways to prevent infection are to get vaccinated, wear a mask, and practice hand hygiene and physical distancing.

TRUE or FALSE? Children can get COVID-19.
The answer is true.
Children can get COVID-19. In most cases, COVID-19 seems to be milder in young children than in adults, but parents and caregivers should understand that children can be infected with the coronavirus and transmit it to others.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends a COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 and older. Johns Hopkins Medicine encourages all families to have eligible children vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, Pfizer's vaccine is the only approved COVID-19 vaccine for children.

COVID-19 cases in children are increasing. This is partly because the available COVID-19 vaccines have only been recently authorized for children age 5 -11. The widespread circulation in the U.S. of the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus is another factor.

In rare cases, children infected with the coronavirus can develop a serious lung infection and become very sick with COVID-19, and deaths have occurred. That's why it is important to follow proven COVID-19 precautions such as wearing a mask when in public, indoor places to reduce the chance of becoming infected with the coronavirus. We can help protect children who are too young to be vaccinated by ensuring that all of the eligible people around them get vaccinated.

TRUE or FALSE? You can get a face mask exemption card so you don't need to wear a mask.
The answer is false.
Fake cards and flyers claiming that the bearers are exempt from mask-wearing regulations have shown up in some areas. The cards, which some people have bought online, may have official-looking logos or government insignias. They claim that people carrying them have a physical or mental condition covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that makes them unable to wear a face mask or covering.

The US. Department of Justice issued a statement about these fake mask exemptions, explaining that the cards and flyers are fraudulent.

People have tried to use the fake cards to avoid wearing a mask in public places that require them, such as some stores and restaurants. The cards are not issued by the U.S. government and are not backed by the ADA.

TRUE or FALSE? You can protect yourself from COVID-19 by injecting, swallowing, bathing in or rubbing onto your body bleach, disinfectants or rubbing alcohols.
The answer is false.
These products are highly toxic and should never be swallowed or injected into the body. Call 911 if this occurs.

Disinfectants, bleach, and soap and water may be used to clean surfaces, an important step in stopping the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Never attempt to self-treat or prevent COVID-19 by rubbing or bathing anywhere on your body with bleach, disinfectants or rubbing alcohol. Effective hand sanitizers do contain alcohol, but they are formulated to be safe for use on hands.
Learn more about protecting yourself from the coronavirus and COVID-19.
TRUE or FALSE? A vaccine to prevent COVID-19 is available.
The answer is true.
COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and one has received full FDA approval. Johns Hopkins Medicine views all FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines as highly effective at preventing serious disease, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccine safety and what you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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To help you better understand what's happening and cut through the confusion, here are some common myths.

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Andy Merida Mendoza - Myth: The vaccines aren't safe because they were developed quickly. 

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Andy Merida Mendoza - Myth: The vaccines aren't safe because they were developed quickly. 

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“The COVID-19 vaccines themselves were developed quickly, but the clinical trials to examine safety and efficacy weren’t rushed at all,” says Dr. Cunningham. “Safety was not compromised in any way. What happened quickly was finding the vaccine to test. In the 1980s, it took scientists so long to do this, but thanks to scientific advances we’ve made over the years, we can find viruses so quickly.”

https://www.henryford.com/blog/2021/08/vaccine-myths

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Three safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines are available in the United States: Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. All three have been put through rigorous clinical trials to determine their safety and efficacy, and all three have been proven to greatly reduce the chance of contracting COVID-19. These vaccines, in short, are life savers. They are a critical piece of the puzzle to stopping new variants from spreading and ensuring that COVID-19 will no longer be a pandemic that threatens the lives of those in our community and around the world.

But although the vaccines have been in use for more than a year (clinical trials first began in mid 2020), rumors are still circulating about the COVID-19 vaccines. To set the record straight, Dennis Cunningham, M.D., medical director of infection control and prevention at Henry Ford Health System, debunks 10 vaccine myths.

1. Myth: The vaccines aren't safe because they were developed quickly. This is FALSE.

"The COVID-19 vaccines themselves were developed quickly, but the clinical trials to examine safety and efficacy weren't rushed at all," says Dr. Cunningham. "Safety was not compromised in any way. What happened quickly was finding the vaccine to test. In the 1980s, it took scientists so long to do this, but thanks to scientific advances we've made over the years, we can find viruses so quickly."

Also, he adds, COVID-19 is similar to other coronaviruses we've seen in humans, like MERS and SARS, so there was previous research that could be used to speed up the process.

2. Myth: The vaccines can lead to long-term effects. This is FALSE.

"With vaccines, if there is going to be a complication or side effect (like an allergic reaction, for example) it will occur within minutes to hours of receiving the vaccine," says Dr. Cunningham. "If we're not seeing serious side effects now, we can pretty much know it will be safe down the road."

Also, while the COVID-19 vaccines may be new, the mRNA technology used to create them has been used for decades in treatments for cancer, influenza, Zika and rabies. This experience has informed us that unknown, delayed side effects show up within two months of receiving the vaccine. These vaccines have been in use for many months, since the first vaccine trials were conducted over a year ago. There are no long-term side effects to worry about.

3. Myth: You can get COVID-19 from the vaccines. This is FALSE.

"There's no live virus in the vaccines, so they can't infect you," says Dr. Cunningham. "Basically, the vaccines make our bodies produce one single protein from the virus-the protein that infects our cells. By making that protein, we prevent infection. You might have side effects like a headache or chills, but that's because your body is creating an immune response, not because you have an infection."

4. Myth: I've already had COVID-19, so I don't need to get vaccinated. This is FALSE.

Even if you have already had COVID-19, you should get vaccinated. New data shows that the vaccines provide better protection against the COVID-19 variants than natural immunity after infection.

"If you have had COVID-19, research suggests you have some natural protection from your own antibodies," says Dr. Cunningham. "However, we don't know how effective that protection is or how long it will last. A benefit of getting vaccinated is that you will have a higher, more predictable level of protection against the virus." Future research will tell us more about exactly how long we are protected after vaccination.

5. Myth: People with underlying conditions shouldn't get vaccinated. This is FALSE.

People who have underlying conditions-like diabetes and heart disease, for example-are at a high risk for getting complications from COVID-19, so it's even more reason why they should get vaccinated, says Dr. Cunningham. If you have concerns, talk to the doctor who is helping you manage the condition.

6. Myth: People with suppressed immune systems shouldn't get vaccinated. This is FALSE.

People with suppressed immune systems (like from cancer treatments or autoimmune diseases) should definitely get vaccinated. "The vaccines will not hurt you since they don't contain a live virus," says Dr. Cunningham. "Those with suppressed immune systems will still get protection from COVID-19, just not as much protection as those with healthy immune systems." Again, talk with your doctor if you have specific concerns.

7. Myth: The COVID-19 vaccines will alter your DNA. This is FALSE.

"The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines use messenger RNA (mRNA) to protect us from COVID-19, and I think that is where this rumor comes from," says Dr. Cunningham. "mRNA gives our cells the blueprints for the factories that will build the protein to protect us from COVID-19. People get scared that mRNA will cause the virus to go into our DNA and mutate us, but it does not even go into the center part of the cell where we have our DNA. It doesn't affect DNA at all."

8. Myth: If you get vaccinated, it could make you infertile. This is FALSE.

There is absolutely no data from the clinical trials or any theoretical reason as to why or how the vaccines could cause infertility. Women who participated in the COVID-19 clinical trials were able to conceive after vaccination. "In fact, we know that pregnant women with COVID-19 infections are at a higher risk of having a miscarriage or going into premature labor, which is all the more reason to get vaccinated," says Dr. Cunningham.

9. Myth: If I'm pregnant or breastfeeding, I shouldn't get vaccinated. This is FALSE.

It is safe to get vaccinated during any stage of pregnancy or while breastfeeding. "If you get vaccinated during your third trimester, you could potentially pass protective COVID-19 antibodies to the baby, but it is safe to get vaccinated during any stage of pregnancy," says Dr. Cunningham. "And evidence has shown that breastfeeding people who have received COVID-19 mRNA vaccines have antibodies in their breastmilk, which could help protect their babies from COVID-19."

10. Myth: I don't need to get vaccinated because I'm young and healthy. This is FALSE.

While young, healthy people are less likely to get sick than older people, they can and have ended up in the ICU with COVID-19. And even if they remain asymptomatic, they can have long-haul symptoms for months after the virus has cleared their system.

Also: they can unknowingly carry COVID-19 to those who are more vulnerable and put loved ones in danger of becoming severely sick. "The key to ending the pandemic is having everyone get vaccinated-not just those who are most vulnerable," says Dr. Cunningham.

Still need your COVID-19 vaccine? Schedule an appointment.
Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines. Dr. Dennis Cunningham is the medical director of infection control and prevention at Henry Ford Health System.

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10 Rumors About The COVID-19 Vaccines That Aren't True

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Three safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines are available in the United States: Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. All three have been put through rigorous clinical trials to determine their safety and efficacy, and all three have been proven to greatly reduce the chance of contracting COVID-19. These vaccines, in short, are life savers.

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Covid-19 impacts respiratory functions and the omicron variant is more contagious than the delta variant

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Covid-19 is a repertory disease and even if you are vaccinated you can still contract Covid-19.

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https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html

You can still get covid if you are vaccinated but the symptoms won't be as bad.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Important update: Healthcare facilities

CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more

Bust Myths and Learn the Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines

Finding Credible Vaccine Information

Accurate vaccine information can help stop common myths and rumors. Yet, it can be difficult to know which sources of information you can trust.

Before considering vaccine information on the Internet, check that the information comes from a credible source and is updated on a regular basis. While the Internet is a useful tool for researching health-related issues, it should not replace a discussion with a healthcare professional.

Learn more about finding credible vaccine information.

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Learn the facts about the authorized COVID-19 vaccines and bust common myths. CDC recommends eligible people age 5 and older get vaccinated.

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Omicron Variant: What You Need to Know | CDC

https://www.cdc.gov › 2019-ncov › variants › omicron...

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Rumors about COVID 19 may or may not be true.  Nansi Castelan

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Rumors about COVID 19 may or may not be true.  Nansi Castelan

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https://nypost.com/2022/01/12/nasal-spray-could-protect-against-covid-19-for-up-to-8-hours/.

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A new experimental nasal spray could prevent people from getting infected with COVID-19 for up to eight hours, according to a study.

The promising treatment has shown it can block infection from the virus in lab studies with mice, according to researchers at the University of Helsinki in Finland.

"This technology is cheap and highly manufacturable, and the inhibitor works equally well against all variants," study author Kalle Saksela told Gizmodo.

"It works also against the now-extinct SARS virus, so it might well also serve as an emergency measure against possible new coronaviruses."

The spray, developed for immunocompromised and other high-risk people, is made of an antibody-like synthetic protein that recognizes and binds to the spike protein of the coronavirus - temporarily stopping it in its tracks, according to the study.

A new experimental nasal spray treatment could prevent people from getting infected with COVID-19 for up to eight hours, according to a study.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

The spray is made of an antibody-like synthetic protein that recognizes and binds to the spike protein of the coronavirus.

BSIP/Universal Images Group via

Researchers found that a small dose of it prevented cells from being infected with all variants of the coronavirus, including Omicron.

They also found that mice given treatment were much less likely to have trouble in their upper respiratory tract and lungs after being exposed to the Beta variant of COVID-19.

But the nasal spray hasn't yet been tested on humans, lab studies are not yet peer-reviewed and more research is needed, the scientists said.

Saksela also warned that the treatment isn't meant to replace vaccines or other drugs.

"Its prophylactic use is meant to protect from SARS-CoV-2 infection," Saksela said. "However, it is not a vaccine, nor meant to be an alternative for vaccines, but rather to complement vaccination for providing additional protection."

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Nasal spray could protect against all COVID-19 variants for 8 hours: study

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A new experimental nasal spray could prevent people from getting infected with COVID-19 for up to eight hours, according to a study. The promising treatment has shown it can block infection from the virus in lab studies with mice, according to researchers at the University of Helsinki in Finland.

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MYTH: The natural immunity I get from being sick with COVID-19 is better than the immunity I get from COVID-19 vaccination.
FACT: Getting a COVID-19 vaccination is a safer and more dependable way to build immunity to COVID-19 than getting sick with COVID-19.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Important update: Healthcare facilities

CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more

Bust Myths and Learn the Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines

Finding Credible Vaccine Information

Accurate vaccine information can help stop common myths and rumors. Yet, it can be difficult to know which sources of information you can trust.

Before considering vaccine information on the Internet, check that the information comes from a credible source and is updated on a regular basis. While the Internet is a useful tool for researching health-related issues, it should not replace a discussion with a healthcare professional.

Learn more about finding credible vaccine information.

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Learn the facts about the authorized COVID-19 vaccines and bust common myths. CDC recommends eligible people age 5 and older get vaccinated.

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COVID-19 vaccines are proven to be effective against serious illness (hospitalization) and death.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Important update: Healthcare facilities

CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more

Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work

What You Need to Know

COVID-19 vaccines help our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having to get the illness.

Different COVID-19 vaccines may work in our bodies differently but all provide protection against the virus that causes COVID-19.

None of the COVID-19 vaccines can give you COVID-19.

Bringing new vaccines to the public involves various steps, all which must be followed to ensure they are safe and effective before they are made available for use.

How COVID-19 Vaccines Work

COVID-19 vaccines help our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having to get the illness.

Different types of vaccines work in different ways to offer protection. But with all types of vaccines, the body is left with a supply of "memory" T-lymphocytes as well as B-lymphocytes that will remember how to fight that virus in the future.

It typically takes a few weeks after vaccination for the body to produce T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes. Therefore, it is possible that a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and then get sick because the vaccine did not have enough time to provide protection.

Sometimes after vaccination, the process of building immunity can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal signs the body is building immunity.

Types of Vaccines: mRNA, Viral Vector, and Protein Subunit

Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines

There are different types of vaccines.

All COVID-19 vaccines prompt our bodies to recognize and help protect us from the virus that causes COVID-19.

Currently, there are three types of COVID-19 vaccines for use in the United States: mRNA, protein subunit, and viral vector vaccines.
As of May 6, 2023, J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, a viral vector vaccine, has expired and is no longer available for use in the United States.

None of these vaccines can give you COVID-19.

Vaccines do not use any live virus.

Vaccines cannot cause infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 or other viruses.

They do not affect or interact with our DNA.

These vaccines do not enter the nucleus of the cell where our DNA (genetic material) is located, so it cannot change or influence our genes.

mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna)

To trigger an immune response, many vaccines put a weakened or inactivated germ into our bodies. Not mRNA vaccines. Instead, mRNA vaccines use mRNA created in a laboratory to teach our cells how to make a protein-or even just a piece of a protein-that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. This immune response, which produces antibodies, is what helps protect us from getting sick from that germ in the future.

About Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna

Research for mRNA technology

Researchers have been studying and working with mRNA vaccines for decades.

In fact, mRNA vaccines have been studied before for flu, Zika, rabies, and cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Beyond vaccines, cancer research has also used mRNA to trigger the immune system to target specific cancer cells.

First, mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are given in the upper arm muscle or upper thigh, depending on the age of who is getting vaccinated.

After vaccination, the mRNA will enter the muscle cells. Once inside, they use the cells' machinery to produce a harmless piece of what is called the spike protein. The spike protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. After the protein piece is made, our cells break down the mRNA and remove it, leaving the body as waste.

Next, our cells display the spike protein piece on their surface. Our immune system recognizes that the protein does not belong there. This triggers our immune system to produce antibodies and activate other immune cells to fight off what it thinks is an infection. This is what your body might do if you got sick with COVID-19.

At the end of the process, our bodies have learned how to help protect against future infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. The benefit is that people get this protection from a vaccine, without ever having to risk the potentially serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19. Any side effects from getting the vaccine are normal signs the body is building protection.

How mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Work

PDF infographic explaining how mRNA COVID-19 vaccines work.

Protein subunit vaccines (Novavax)

Protein subunit vaccines contain pieces (proteins) of the virus that causes COVID-19. These virus pieces are the spike protein. The vaccine also contains another ingredient called an adjuvant that helps the immune system respond to that spike protein in the future. Once the immune system knows how to respond to the spike protein, the immune system will be able to respond quickly to the actual virus spike protein and protect you against COVID-19.

About Novavax

Research for protein subunit technology

Protein subunit vaccines have been used for years.

More than 30 years ago, a hepatitis B vaccine became the first protein subunit vaccine to be approved for use in people in the United States.

Another example of other protein subunit vaccines used today include whooping cough vaccines.

Protein subunit COVID-19 vaccines are given in the upper arm muscle. After vaccination, nearby cells pick up these proteins.

Next, our immune system recognizes that these proteins do not belong there. Another ingredient in the vaccine, the adjuvant, helps our immune system to produce antibodies and activate other immune cells to fight off what it thinks is an infection. This is what your body might do if you got sick with COVID-19.

At the end of the process, our bodies have learned how to help protect against future infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. The benefit is that people get this protection from a vaccine, without ever having to risk the potentially serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19. Many side effects from getting the vaccine are normal signs the body is building protection.

How Protein Subunit COVID-19 Vaccines Work

PDF infographic explaining how Protein Subunit COVID-19 vaccines work.

Viral vector vaccines (Johnson & Johnson's Janssen)
As of May 6, 2023, J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine has expired and is no longer available for use in the United States.
Viral vector COVID-19 vaccines use a modified version of a different virus (a vector virus) to deliver important instructions to our cells.

About Johnson & Johnson's Janssen

Research for viral vector technology

For decades, hundreds of scientific studies of viral vector vaccines have been done and published around the world.

Some vaccines recently used for Ebola outbreaks have used viral vector technology.

Several studies have focused on viral vector vaccines against other diseases such as Zika, flu, and HIV.

Besides being used in vaccines, viral vectors have also been studied for gene therapy, to treat cancer, and for molecular biology research.

Viral vector COVID-19 vaccines are given in a muscle in the upper arm. The vector virus in the vaccine is not the virus that causes COVID-19, but a different, harmless virus. It enters the muscle cells and uses the cells' machinery to produce a harmless piece of what is called a spike protein. The spike protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. After the spike protein piece is made, our cells break down the vector virus and remove it.

Next, our cells display the spike protein on their surface. Our immune system recognizes that the spike protein does not belong there. This triggers our immune system to produce antibodies and activate other immune cells to fight off what it is an infection. This response is similar to what your body does if you get sick with COVID-19, but is temporary.

At the end of the immune building process, our bodies have learned how to help protect against future infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. People get this protection from a vaccine, without ever having to risk the potentially serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19. Any side effects from getting the vaccine are normal signs the body is building protection.

How Viral Vector COVID-19 Vaccines Work

PDF infographic explaining how Viral Vector COVID-19 vaccines work.

Developing COVID-19 Vaccines

While COVID-19 vaccines were developed rapidly, all steps have been taken to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Bringing a new vaccine to the public involves many steps including:

vaccine development,

clinical trials,

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorization or approval,

and development and approval of vaccine recommendations through the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and CDC.

As vaccines are distributed outside of clinical trials, monitoring systems are used to make sure that COVID-19 vaccines are safe.

When FDA authorizes or approves a COVID-19 vaccine, ACIP reviews all available data about that vaccine to determine whether to recommend it and who should receive it. These vaccine recommendations then go through an approval process that involves both ACIP and CDC.

Learn About Getting Your Vaccine

Do you need to wait to get vaccinated after getting COVID-19 or getting treatment for COVID-19?

How can you prepare for vaccination?

What can you expect during and after your vaccination?

Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccine

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Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work

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Learn about how COVID-19 vaccines will work with your body's natural defenses to safely develop protection (immunity) to this serious disease.

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Covid is dependent on human interaction

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You can still get infected even if you are fully vaccinated.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Important update: Healthcare facilities

CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more

The Possibility of COVID-19 after Vaccination: Breakthrough Infections

COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing infection, serious illness, and death. Most people who get COVID-19 are unvaccinated. However, since vaccines are not 100% effective at preventing infection, some people who are fully vaccinated will still get COVID-19.

An infection of a fully vaccinated person is referred to as a "vaccine breakthrough infection."

Bottom Line: COVID-19 vaccines protect everyone ages 5 years and older against severe illness, including disease caused by the Delta variant and other variants circulating in the United States.

Key Points

COVID-19 vaccines protect everyone ages 5 years and older from getting infected and severely ill, and significantly reduce the likelihood of hospitalization and death.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to prevent infection by Delta or other variants.

A vaccine breakthrough infection happens when a fully vaccinated person gets infected with COVID-19. People with vaccine breakthrough infections may spread COVID-19 to others.

Even if you are fully vaccinated, if you live in an area with substantial or high transmission of COVID-19, you - as well as your family and community - will be better protected if you wear a mask when you are in indoor public places.

People who are immunocompromised may not always build adequate levels of protection after an initial 2-dose primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series. They should continue to take all precautions recommended for unvaccinated people, until advised otherwise by their healthcare professional. Further, CDC recommends that moderately or severely immunocompromised people receive an additional primary dose of vaccine.

What We Know about Vaccine Breakthrough Infections

Vaccine breakthrough infections are expected. COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing most infections. However, like other vaccines, they are not 100% effective.

Fully vaccinated people with a vaccine breakthrough infection are less likely to develop serious illness than those who are unvaccinated and get COVID-19.

Even when fully vaccinated people develop symptoms, they tend to be less severe symptoms than in unvaccinated people. This means they are much less likely to be hospitalized or die than people who are not vaccinated.

People who get vaccine breakthrough infections can be contagious.

CDC is collecting data on vaccine breakthrough infections and is closely monitoring the safety and effectiveness of all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and authorized COVID-19 vaccines.
Because vaccines are not 100% effective, as the number of people who are fully vaccinated goes up, the number of vaccine breakthrough infections will also increase. However, the risk of infection remains much higher for unvaccinated than vaccinated people.

The latest data on rates of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths by vaccination status are available from the CDC COVID Data Tracker.

Vaccine Breakthroughs and Variants

CDC continues to actively monitor vaccine safety and effectiveness against new and emerging variants for all FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines. Research shows that the FDA-authorized vaccines offer protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death against currently circulating variants in the United States. However, some people who are fully vaccinated will get COVID-19.
The Delta variant is more contagious than previous variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. However, studies so far indicate that the vaccines used in the United States work well against the Delta variant, particularly in preventing severe disease and hospitalization.
Overall, if there are more COVID-19 infections there will be more vaccine breakthrough infections. However, the risk of infection, hospitalization, and death are all much lower in vaccinated compared to unvaccinated people. Therefore, everyone ages 5 years and older should get vaccinated to protect themselves and those around them, including family members who are not able to be vaccinated from severe disease and death.

How CDC Monitors Breakthrough Infections

CDC has multiple surveillance systems and ongoing research studies to monitor the performance of vaccines in preventing infection, disease, hospitalization, and death. CDC also collects data on vaccine breakthrough infections through outbreak investigations.

About COVID-NET

One important system that CDC uses to track vaccine breakthrough infections is COVID-NET ( the Coronavirus Disease 2019 [COVID-19]-Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network). This system provides the most complete data on vaccine breakthrough in the general population. COVID-NET is a population-based surveillance system that collects reports of lab-confirmed COVID-19-related hospitalizations in 99 counties in 14 states.

COVID-NET covers approximately 10% of the U.S. population. One recent COVID-NET publication assessed the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing hospitalization among adults ≥ 65 years. This system provides complete data on vaccine breakthrough hospitalizations in the general population.

Outcome monitored

Population monitored

Monitoring system

Infection

Long-term care facility residents
NHSN

Infection and symptomatic illness

Healthcare providers and frontline workers
HEROES/RECOVER

Hospitalization and deaths

Hospitalized adults
IVY

Hospitalization and deaths

Hospitalized people (all ages)
COVID-NET

Urgent care, emergency care, hospitalization and deaths

Urgent care, emergency departments, and hospitalized people (all ages)
VISIONpdf icon

Voluntary Reporting by State Health Departments

When the United States began widespread COVID-19 vaccination, CDC put in place a system where state health departments could report COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough infections to CDC.

On May 1, 2021, after collecting data on thousands of vaccine breakthrough infections, CDC changed the focus of how it uses data from this reporting system.

One of the strengths of this system is collecting data on severe cases of vaccine breakthrough COVID-19 since it is likely that most of these types of vaccine breakthrough cases seek medical care and are diagnosed and reported as a COVID-19 case.

Persons with asymptomatic or mild cases of vaccine breakthrough infections may not seek testing or medical care and thus these types of vaccine breakthrough cases may be underrepresented in this system. For this reason, CDC relies on a variety of additional surveillance approaches to ensure that it is collecting information on all types of vaccine breakthrough cases.

CDC continues to monitor data on all cases reported by state health departments as vaccine breakthrough cases. Currently, 49 states have reported at least one vaccine breakthrough infection to this system.

CDC monitors reported data on hospitalized and fatal vaccine breakthrough cases to understand:

Patterns by age and sex.

The specific types or brands of vaccine involved.

Underlying health conditions in these persons.

Which COVID-19 variants are observed in persons who are hospitalized or who die.

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covid vaccine breakthrough; covid after vaccination; covid after vaccine; breakthrough infection; covid breakthrough infection; vaccine breakthrough delta; delta vaccines; covid breakthrough surveillance

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Important update: Healthcare facilities CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more The Possibility of COVID-19 after Vaccination: Breakthrough Infections COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing infection, serious illness, and death. Most people who get COVID-19 are unvaccinated.

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Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after someone is exposed to the virus and can include fever, chills, and cough.

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COVID-19 can spread through respiratory droplets and there can be multiple variants with different effects

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surgical masks are better then cloth masks https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-mask/art-20485449

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How well do face masks protect against COVID-19?

Get answers to your questions about face masks, including how to use them properly.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Can face masks help slow the spread of the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)? Yes. Face masks combined with other preventive measures, such as getting vaccinated, frequent hand-washing and physical distancing, can help slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends masks for the general public. If you're in an area with a high number of people with COVID-19 in the hospital and new COVID-19 cases, the CDC recommends wearing a well-fitted mask indoors in public, whether or not you're vaccinated.

The CDC says that you should wear the most protective mask possible that you'll wear regularly, fits well and is comfortable. Respirators such as nonsurgical N95s give the most protection. KN95s and medical masks provide the next highest level of protection. Cloth masks provide less protection. The CDC says that surgical N95 masks should be reserved for health care providers.

If you have a weakened immune system or have a higher risk of serious illness, wear a mask that provides you with the most protection possible when you're in an area with a high number of people with COVID-19 in the hospital and new COVID-19 cases. Check with your healthcare provider to see if you should wear a mask when you're in an area with a lower number of new COVID-19 cases and people with COVID-19 in the hospital.

How do the different types of masks work?

Medical masks

Also called surgical masks, these are loosefitting disposable masks. They're meant to protect the wearer from contact with droplets and sprays that may contain germs. A medical mask also filters out large particles in the air when the wearer breathes in.

To make medical masks more form-fitting, knot the ear loops where they attach to the mask. Then fold and tuck the unneeded material under the edges.

Wearing a medical mask doesn't increase the level of carbon dioxide in the air you breathe.

KN95 masks

A KN95 mask is a type of respirator that meets certain international standards. It offers more protection than a medical mask does because it filters out both large and small particles when the wearer inhales. However, be cautious when buying a KN95, as many fake masks are sold that don't meet quality requirements.

N95 masks

An N95 mask is a type of respirator that meets U.S. quality standards. An N95 offers the highest level of protection. It offers more protection than a medical mask does because it filters out both large and small particles when the wearer inhales. Non-surgical N95s can be used by the general public.

The CDC has said surgical N95 masks should be reserved for health care providers. Health care providers must be trained and pass a fit test before using a surgical N95 mask. Like surgical masks, N95 masks are intended to be disposable. However, researchers are testing ways to disinfect and reuse them.

Some N95 masks, and even some cloth masks, have valves that make them easier to breathe through. Unfortunately, these masks don't filter the air the wearer breathes out. For this reason, they've been banned in some places.

Cloth masks

A cloth mask is intended to trap respiratory droplets that are released when the wearer talks, coughs or sneezes. It also acts as a barrier to protect the wearer from inhaling droplets released by others.

The most effective cloths masks are made of multiple layers of tightly woven fabric like cotton. A mask with layers will stop more droplets from getting through your mask or escaping from it.

Wearing a mask doesn't increase the level of carbon dioxide in the air you breathe.

If you wear a gaiter, make sure it has at least two layers of cloth.

How to get the most from your mask

The effectiveness of cloth and medical masks can be improved by ensuring that the masks are well fitted to the contours of your face to prevent leakage of air around the masks' edges.

Masks should be snug over the nose, mouth and chin, with no gaps. You should feel warm air coming through the front of the mask when you breathe out. You shouldn't feel air coming out under the edges of the mask.

Choose masks that have bendable nose strips, as these help prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask.

Masks with several layers offer more protection. Some people choose to wear a medical mask under their cloth mask. In that case, the cloth mask should press the edges of the medical mask against the face. Don't add layers if they make it hard to breathe or block your vision. And don't use another mask with a KN95 or N95.

If you wear a KN95 or N95, make sure it fits and seals close to your face.

A child's mask should be specifically made for children in order to fit properly. Make sure it fits snug over the nose, mouth and chin.

Proper use, storage and cleaning of masks also affects how well they protect you. Follow these steps for putting on and taking off your mask:

Wash or sanitize your hands before and after putting on your mask.

Place your mask over your mouth and nose and chin.

Tie it behind your head or use ear loops. Make sure it's snug against your face.

Don't touch your mask while wearing it.

If you accidentally touch your mask, wash or sanitize your hands.

If your mask becomes wet or dirty, switch to a clean one. Put the used mask in a sealable bag until you can get rid of it or wash it.

Remove the mask by untying it or lifting off the ear loops without touching the front of the mask or your face. Fold the outside corners together.

Wash your hands immediately after removing your mask.

Regularly wash cloth masks in the washing machine or by hand. (They can be washed along with other laundry.) Dry them in the dryer or hang them outside in the sun.

Throw away disposable masks after wearing them once.

And don't forget these precautions:

Don't put masks on anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious or otherwise unable to remove the mask without help.

Don't put masks on children under age 2.

Don't use face masks as a substitute for physical distancing.

What about face shields?

The CDC doesn't recommend using face shields instead of masks because it's unclear how much protection shields provide. However, wearing a face mask may not be possible in every situation. If you must use a face shield instead of a mask, choose one that wraps around the sides of your face and extends below your chin.

Do you still need to wear a face mask after you're vaccinated?

After you're vaccinated, you can more safely return to doing activities that you might not have been able to do because of the pandemic. However, if you are in an area with a high number of people with COVID-19 in the hospital and new COVID-19 cases, the CDC recommends wearing a mask indoors in public. You're considered fully vaccinated two weeks after you get a second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or two weeks after you get a single dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. You are considered up to date with your vaccines if you have gotten all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including booster doses, when you become eligible.

In the U.S., everyone also needs to wear a mask while on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation.

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Show references

1. Use and care of masks. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html. Accessed Feb. 28, 2022.

2. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: When and how to use masks. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks. Accessed Feb. 2, 2021.

3. Types of masks and respirators. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html. Accessed Jan. 17, 2021.

4. N95 respirators and surgical masks (face masks). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-infection-control/n95-respirators-and-surgical-masks-face-masks. Accessed Feb. 2, 2021.

5. Greenhalgh T, et al. Face masks for the public during the covid-19 crisis. BMJ. 2020; doi:10.1136/bmj.m1435. BMJ. 2020; doi:10.1136/bmj.m1422.

6. Mahase E. Covid-19: What is the evidence for cloth masks? BMJ. 2020; doi:10.1136/bmj.m1422.

7. Feng S, et al. Rational use of face masks in the COVID-19 pandemic. Lancet Respiratory Medicine. 2020; doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(20)30134-X.

8. Cowling BJ, et al. Impact assessment of non-pharmaceutical interventions against coronavirus disease 2019 and influenza in Hong Kong: An observational study. Lancet Public Health. 2020; doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(20)30090-6.

9. Howard J, et al. An evidence review of face masks against COVID-19. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2021; doi:10.1073/pnas.2014564118.

10. Personal protective equipment: Questions and answers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/respirator-use-faq.html. Accessed Feb. 2, 2021.

11. Chu DK, et al. Physical distancing, face masks, and eye protection to prevent person-to-person transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet. 2020; doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31142-9.

12. Tso RV, et al. Importance of face masks for COVID-19: A call for effective public education. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2020; doi:10.1093/cid/ciaa593.

13. Lyu W, et al. Community use of face masks and COVID-19: Evidence from a natural experiment of state mandates in the US. Health Affairs. 2020; doi:10.1377/hlthaff.2020.00818.

14. McIntosh K. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Epidemiology, virology, and prevention. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 2, 2021.

15. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: Implications for infection prevention precautions. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/modes-of-transmission-of-virus-causing-covid-19-implications-for-ipc-precaution-recommendations. Accessed Feb. 2, 2021.

16. Gandhi M, et al. Uniting infectious disease and physical science principles on the importance of face masks for COVID-19. Med (NY). 2021; doi:10.1016/j.medj.2020.12.008.

17. Verma S, et al. Visualizing droplet dispersal for face shields and masks with exhalation valves. Physics of Fluids. 2020; doi:10.1063/5.0022968.

18. Perencevich EN, et al. Moving personal protective equipment into the community: Face shields and containment of COVID-19. JAMA. 2020; doi:10.1001/jama.2020.7477.

19. Clase CM, et al. Forgotten technology in the COVID-19 pandemic: Filtration properties of cloth and cloth masks. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2020; doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.07.020.

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21. Improve how your mask protects you. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/effective-masks.html. Accessed Jan. 7, 2022.

22. Brooks JT, et al. Maximizing fit for cloth and medical procedure masks to improve performance and reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission and exposure, 2021. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2021; doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7007e1.

23. Stay up to date with your vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Accessed Jan. 7, 2021.

24. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine for yourself or your child. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect.html. Accessed Jan. 7, 2021.

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26. Science brief: Community use of masks to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/science-briefs/masking-science-sars-cov2.html. Accessed Jan. 10, 2022.

27. COVID-19 community levels. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/community-levels.html. Accessed Feb. 28, 2022.

See more In-depth

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Can face masks protect against COVID-19?

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Get answers to your questions about face masks, including how to use them properly. By Mayo Clinic Staff Can face masks help slow the spread of the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)? Yes. Face masks combined with other preventive measures, such as getting vaccinated, frequent hand-washing and physical distancing, can help slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.

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https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/variant-classifications.html

Covid-19 can mutate as it infects more and more people (causing variants with different effects).

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Important update: Healthcare facilities

CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more

SARS-CoV-2 Variant Classifications and Definitions

What You Need to Know

Viruses like SARS-CoV-2 continuously evolve as changes in the genetic code (caused by genetic mutations or viral recombination) occur during replication of the genome.

SARS-CoV-2 has consistently mutated over the course of the pandemic, resulting in variants that are different from the original SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many variants of SARS-CoV-2 have been found in the United States and globally.

Scientists use multiple classification systems to describe and communicate similarities and differences between SARS-CoV-2 viruses.

Key Definitions

Mutation: A mutation refers to a single change in a virus's genome (genetic code). Mutations happen frequently, but only sometimes change the characteristics of the virus.

Lineage: A lineage is a group of closely related viruses with a common ancestor. SARS-CoV-2 has many lineages; all cause COVID-19.

Sublineage: A term used to define a lineage as it relates to being a direct descendent of a parent lineage. For example, BA.2.75 is a sublineage of BA.2.

Variant: A variant is a viral genome (genetic code) that may contain one or more mutations. In some cases, a lineage or group of lineages with similar genetic changes, may be designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the U.S. SARS-CoV-2 Interagency Group (SIG) as a Variant of Interest (VOI), Variant of Concern (VOC), Variant of High Consequence (VOHC) or Variant Being Monitored (VBM) due to shared attributes and characteristics that may require public health action.

Recombination: A process in which the genomes of two SARS-CoV-2 variants combine during the viral replication process to form a new variant that is different from both parent lineages. This may occur when a person is infected with two variants at the same time. The lineage that results from recombination is called a "recombinant."

Types of Classification

There are multiple ways in which SARS-CoV-2 viruses are classified. Each classification type can be appropriate, depending on the context in which SARS-CoV-2 is being communicated. SARS-CoV-2 is often discussed in the context of lineages (and sublineages). The most commonly used classification system for lineages is Pango. Nextclade may also be used in this context. In a larger context, lineages or groups of related lineages may be classified using Greek letters (such as Omicron) by the World Health Organization (WHO). These classification methods enable scientists to communicate similarities and differences between SARS-CoV-2 viruses.

Variant Classification

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) established a SARS-CoV-2 Interagency Group (SIG) to enhance coordination among CDC, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), and Department of Defense (DoD). This interagency group characterizes emerging variants and monitors their potential impact on vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.

The SIG meets regularly to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 variants and lineages circulating in the United States and to make recommendations about the classification of variants and lineages. A group of experts assess the available data on variant proportion at the national and regional level. This information is shared with local and state public health officials to aid in their decision-making for community-level guidance. They also assess how these changes may affect vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics, as well as transmission and severity of disease. Variants may be reclassified as more information becomes available.

The SIG has updated its classification system and working definitions for variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to better reflect the current variant landscape. The previous system classified all Omicron sublineages as part of the Omicron VOC and therefore did not provide the distinction needed to compare new descendent lineages with altered phenotypic characteristics to the Omicron parent lineages (BA.1, BA.2). These classification updates allow for independent evaluation and tracking of Omicron sublineages and forthcoming new variants when required.

The SIG uses four types of classifications:

Variant of high consequence (VOHC)

Variant of concern (VOC)

Variant of interest (VOI)

Variants being monitored (VBM)

Notes: Each variant classification includes the possible attributes of lower classes (for example, VOC includes the possible attributes of VOI). This page will be updated as needed to show the variants that belong to each class. U.S. classifications may differ from the WHO classifications because the impact of variants may differ by location. The labels assigned to each variant are provided in the List of Variants Table.

Pango Lineage System

The Pango lineage system is hierarchical-like a family tree. Lineages are evolutionarily descendants of a "parent" lineage. A lineage may be described as a "sublineage" when it is being discussed in relation to its parent lineage.

Lineages are named using an alphabetical prefix (such as B or BA) and numerical suffix (such as ".1" or ".1.1.5"). When a new lineage is defined, the Pango system assigns an additional number to the name of its parent lineage (e.g., BA.2.75 is a sublineage of BA.2). As the virus continues to change, the Pango lineage names can become very long. Lineages with longer names may be given alphabetic aliases and numbering continues (e.g., "BA" stands for "B.1.1.529," thus BA.2 is the same as B.1.1.529.2).

For more information on the Pango lineage system and its nomenclature, see the Pango Network. For a full list of the current Pango lineages, see cov-lineages.org.

Nextclade

Nextclade is a tool that is used to classify SARS-CoV-2 sequences according to their genetic relatedness. Potentially important branches of the SARS-CoV-2 family tree are given names, indicating members of that branch are a "clade" and are thought to arise from a common ancestor.

Members of a clade will share many features with each other, reflecting their common ancestry. Not every SARS-CoV-2 virus is assigned its own clade by Nextclade. Each potential clade must circulate at a certain frequency for a period of time, show consistent growth in a region, or be assigned a WHO classification. The Nextclade team outlines their clade designation rubric in this publication. These broader definitions offer an alternative naming solution that is meant to reflect significant differences in biology or circulation.

Nextclade clade names consist of the two-digit year of assignment followed by a letter indicating the order of assignment within the year. For example, "22A" is the first clade designated in 2022 and corresponds to the group of Pango lineages that descended from BA.4, which was circulating in early 2022. More information about the various clades and their relationship to the various Pango lineages is detailed at covariants.org.

Recombinants

All coronaviruses have the potential to undergo a natural process called "recombination". This can occur when two different lineages infect the same cell in someone at the same time. This rare phenomenon may affect the characteristics of the virus - including its ability to spread, cause severe disease or make treatments or vaccines less effective. In many cases, recombinant viruses do not have competitive advantages that help them rise.

CDC's genomic surveillance systems can reliably detect and monitor the spread of variants, including recombinants. When a recombinant does emerge, CDC scientists evaluate and monitor the new recombinant just like any other variant lineage - including how it might be classified or when it should be presented on CDC's COVID Data Tracker.

Summary of Variant Classifications

A VOHC has clear evidence that prevention measures or medical countermeasures (MCMs) have significantly reduced effectiveness relative to previously circulating variants. CDC monitors all variants circulating in the United States. In addition to the possible attributes of a variant of concern, variants designated as VOHC include impact on MCMs such as:

demonstrated failure of diagnostic test targets.

evidence to suggest a significant reduction in vaccine effectiveness, a disproportionately high number of infections in vaccinated persons, or very low vaccine-induced protection against severe disease.

significantly reduced susceptibility to multiple EUA or approved therapeutics.

more severe clinical disease and increased hospitalizations.

A variant of high consequence would require notification to WHO under the International Health Regulations, reporting to CDC, an announcement of strategies to prevent or contain transmission, and recommendations to update treatments and vaccines.

Currently, no SARS-CoV-2 variants are designated as VOHC. Classifications may change over time, based on the information available.

Currently, no SARS-CoV-2 variants are designated as VOHC. Classifications may change over time, based on the information available.

CDC monitors all variants circulating in the United States. In addition to the possible attributes of a variant of interest, variants designated as VOC include:

increase in transmissibility.

more severe disease (for example, increased hospitalizations or deaths).

significant reduction in neutralization by antibodies generated during previous infection or vaccination.

reduced effectiveness of treatments or vaccines, or diagnostic detection failures.

Variants of concern might require one or more appropriate public health actions such as:

notify WHO under the International Health Regulations.

report to CDC, local or regional efforts.

increase preventative measures, such as masking, testing or physical distancing.

conduct research to determine the effectiveness of vaccines and treatments against the variant.

Diagnostic tests, vaccines or treatments may be adapted to increase efficacy against circulating variants of concern.

Currently, no SARS-CoV-2 variants are designated as VOC. Classifications may change over time, based on the information available.

CDC monitors all variants circulating in the United States. Variants designated as VOI include variants that have:

reduced neutralization by antibodies generated against previous infection or vaccination.

reduced efficacy of FDA approved treatments, or diagnostic tests.

predicted increase in transmissibility or disease severity.

Possible attributes of a Variant of Interest include:

specific genetic markers that are predicted to affect transmission, diagnostics, therapeutics, or immune escape.

evidence that it is the cause of an increased proportion of cases or unique outbreak clusters.

A Variant of Interest may have limited prevalence in the United States, but potentially expanding in other countries. It might require one or more public health actions. CDC may increase surveillance or epidemiologic investigations to evaluate the risk a VOI may have on the United States.

CDC monitors all variants circulating in the United States. Variants designated as VBM include:

lineages with potential impact on available medical countermeasures based on analysis of genetic sequence data.

lineages that previously caused more severe disease or increased transmission but that are no longer detected.

lineage with an unusually large number of antigenic mutations AND presence in multiple countries with collection dates within 4 weeks.

lineages previously designated as a VOI, VOC, or VOHC that are currently circulating at very low levels in the United States.

A Variant of Interest or a Variant of Concern may be downgraded to this list after it is no longer circulating at sustained levels and no longer poses significant risk to public health in the United States. Classifications may change over time, based on the evolving situation and information available.

1. Zhou, B., Thi Nhu Thao, T., Hoffmann, D. et al. SARS-CoV-2 spike D614G change enhances replication and transmission. Nature(2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03361-1

2. Pearson CAB, Russell TW, Davies NG, et al. Estimates of severity and transmissibility of novel South Africa SARS-CoV-2 variant 501Y.V2. Retrieved from: pdf (cmmid.github.io)

3. Liu Y, Liu J, Xia H, et al. Neutralizing Activity of BNT162b2-Elicited Serum. 2021. NEJM. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMc2102017

*Non-peer-reviewed

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Variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, have been reported in many countries around the world. Learn more about the current variants of concern.

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COVID-19 can spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

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COVID can linger in the air for up to 5 hours.

source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/science-briefs/sars-cov-2-transmission.html#:~:text=The%20smallest%20very%20fine%20droplets,for%20minutes%20to%20hours.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted by exposure to infectious respiratory fluids
The principal mode by which people are infected with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) is through exposure to respiratory fluids carrying infectious virus. Exposure occurs in three principal ways: (1) inhalation of very fine respiratory droplets and aerosol particles, (2) deposition of respiratory droplets and particles on exposed mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, or eye by direct splashes and sprays, and (3) touching mucous membranes with hands that have been soiled either directly by virus-containing respiratory fluids or indirectly by touching surfaces with virus on them.
People release respiratory fluids during exhalation (e.g., quiet breathing, speaking, singing, exercise, coughing, sneezing) in the form of droplets across a spectrum of sizes. These droplets carry virus and transmit infection.

The largest droplets settle out of the air rapidly, within seconds to minutes.

The smallest very fine droplets, and aerosol particles formed when these fine droplets rapidly dry, are small enough that they can remain suspended in the air for minutes to hours.

Infectious exposures to respiratory fluids carrying SARS-CoV-2 occur in three principal ways (not mutually exclusive):

1. Inhalation of air carrying very small fine droplets and aerosol particles that contain infectious virus. Risk of transmission is greatest within three to six feet of an infectious source where the concentration of these very fine droplets and particles is greatest.

2. Deposition of virus carried in exhaled droplets and particles onto exposed mucous membranes (i.e., "splashes and sprays", such as being coughed on). Risk of transmission is likewise greatest close to an infectious source where the concentration of these exhaled droplets and particles is greatest.

3. Touching mucous membranes with hands soiled by exhaled respiratory fluids containing virus or from touching inanimate surfaces contaminated with virus.

The risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection varies according to the amount of virus to which a person is exposed

Once infectious droplets and particles are exhaled, they move outward from the source. The risk for infection decreases with increasing distance from the source and increasing time after exhalation. Two principal processes determine the amount of virus to which a person is exposed in the air or by touching a surface contaminated by virus:

1. Decreasing concentration of virus in the air as larger and heavier respiratory droplets containing virus fall to the ground or other surfaces under the force of gravity and the very fine droplets and aerosol particles that remain in the airstream progressively mix with, and become diluted within, the growing volume and streams of air they encounter. This mixing is not necessarily uniform and can be influenced by thermal layering and initial jetting of exhalations.

2. Progressive loss of viral viability and infectiousness over time influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and ultraviolet radiation (e.g., sunlight).

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from inhalation of virus in the air farther than six feet from an infectious source can occur

With increasing distance from the source, the role of inhalation likewise increases. Although infections through inhalation at distances greater than six feet from an infectious source are less likely than at closer distances, the phenomenon has been repeatedly documented under certain preventable circumstances. ¹⁰⁻²¹ These transmission events have involved the presence of an infectious person exhaling virus indoors for an extended time (more than 15 minutes and in some cases hours) leading to virus concentrations in the air space sufficient to transmit infections to people more than 6 feet away, and in some cases to people who have passed through that space soon after the infectious person left. Per published reports, factors that increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection under these circumstances include:

Enclosed spaces with inadequate ventilation or air handling within which the concentration of exhaled respiratory fluids, especially very fine droplets and aerosol particles, can build-up in the air space.

Increased exhalation of respiratory fluids if the infectious person is engaged in physical exertion or raises their voice (e.g., exercising, shouting, singing).

Prolonged exposure to these conditions, typically more than 15 minutes.

Prevention of COVID-19 transmission

The infectious dose of SARS-CoV-2 needed to transmit infection has not been established. Current evidence strongly suggests transmission from contaminated surfaces does not contribute substantially to new infections. Although animal studies ²²⁻²⁴ and epidemiologic investigations ²⁵ (in addition to those described above) indicate that inhalation of virus can cause infection, the relative contributions of inhalation of virus and deposition of virus on mucous membranes remain unquantified and will be difficult to establish. Despite these knowledge gaps, the available evidence continues to demonstrate that existing recommendations to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission remain effective. These include physical distancing, community use of well-fitting masks (e.g., barrier face coverings, procedure/surgical masks), adequate ventilation, and avoidance of crowded indoor spaces. These methods will reduce transmission both from inhalation of virus and deposition of virus on exposed mucous membranes. Transmission through soiled hands and surfaces can be prevented by practicing good hand hygiene and by environmental cleaning.

References

1. Stadnytskyi V, Bax CE, Bax A, Anfinrud P. The airborne lifetime of small speech droplets and their potential importance in SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. Jun 2 2020;117(22):11875-11877. doi:10.1073/pnas.2006874117

2. Alsved M, Matamis A, Bohlin R, et al. Exhaled respiratory particles during singing and talking. Aerosol Science and Technology. 2020;54(11):1245-1248. doi:10.1080/02786826.2020.1812502

3. Echternach M, Gantner S, Peters G, et al. Impulse Dispersion of Aerosols during Singing and Speaking: A Potential COVID-19 Transmission Pathway. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. Dec 1 2020;202(11):1584-1587. doi:10.1164/rccm.202009-3438LE

4. Asadi S, Wexler AS, Cappa CD, Barreda S, Bouvier NM, Ristenpart WD. Aerosol emission and superemission during human speech increase with voice loudness. Sci Rep. Feb 20 2019;9(1):2348. doi:10.1038/s41598-019-38808-z

5. Asadi S, Wexler AS, Cappa CD, Barreda S, Bouvier NM, Ristenpart WD. Effect of voicing and articulation manner on aerosol particle emission during human speech. PLoS One. 2020;15(1):e0227699. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0227699

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The principal mode by which people are infected with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) is through exposure to respiratory fluids carrying infectious virus.

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Surgical masks have greater protection from COVID-19 long term than cloth masks do.