MYTH: COVID-19 vaccine side effects are worse than the virus itself. It’s better to develop a natural immunity to the virus.
FACT: Getting vaccinated provides safe and strong protection against COVID-19, both for yourself and those who you might pass it along to. Although it’s true that your body may develop antibody protection after recovering from COVID-19, we still don’t know how long this protection lasts, which means it’s possible to catch the virus a second time.
It’s also possible to have a pre-existing condition and be unaware of it, which could make COVID-19 even more dangerous to your health than you might assume. If you do recover from COVID-19, you may face other long-term symptoms and potential health issues, including shortness of breath, fatigue, migraines, brain fog, and loss of smell and taste.
COVID-19 vaccine side effects are rare and generally mild. However, common side effects after vaccination include temporary fatigue, fever, and muscle soreness at the injection site, all of which are far less harmful than the virus itself and should pass in a couple days.
Since the creation of these resources, some updates have occurred. For the most recent information on COVID-19 and the vaccines, please visit the CDC website or speak with your Primary Care Provider.
