Since COVID-19 vaccines were created, myths and rumors about how they work have been circulating, and the internet is filled with misinformation and misleading sources. It’s important to read and share information from trusted sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Learn the CDC’s answers to common questions and myths regarding COVID-19 vaccination.* 

Is it safe for me to get a COVID-19 vaccine if I would like to have a baby one day?

Whether you are currently pregnant or plan to get pregnant in the future, there is currently no evidence that vaccination would cause problems with pregnancy or fertility. Like all vaccines, scientists will continue to study side effects for many years. 

 Will a COVID-19 vaccine alter my DNA? 

Both the messenger RNA (mRNA) and the viral vector vaccine available currently will not alter your DNA. Both vaccines work by delivering instructions, i.e., genetic material, to your cells to build protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. It does not, however, enter inside the cell’s nucleus where the DNA is located. Therefore, there is no interaction between the vaccine and your DNA. 

Can the CDC mandate that I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

The CDC will not require vaccinations or monitor a person’s vaccination records. A state, local government, or employer, however, may require the vaccination as it is a matter of state or other applicable law. 

After getting a COVID-19 vaccine, will I test positive for COVID-19 on a viral test?

None of the currently authorized vaccines can cause you to test positive on viral tests, which indicate a current infection. If you previously had COVID-19, you can test positive on an antibody test after receiving a vaccine. 

Can a COVID-19 vaccine make me sick with COVID-19? 

None of the currently authorized vaccines nor those in development contain the live virus and can not make you sick with COVID-19. Each vaccine works by teaching your immune system to recognize and fight the virus, which can lead to short-term, flu-like symptoms. 

*Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines. (2021, April 15). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html

Much about the novel coronavirus COVID-19 is still not fully understood. As research progresses and our knowledge of the virus increases, information about it can change rapidly. We strive to update all of our articles as quickly as possible, but some “lag” may occur between scientific developments and our revisions.