COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Vaccine Myths vs Facts

COVID-19 is a problem unlike any we’ve faced in our lifetime. To protect yourself and your loved ones against this deadly illness, it’s absolutely essential that you know the truth.

We’ve compiled a list of some common myths circulating about the COVID-19 vaccines to provide you with reliable information. To help you recognize myths from facts, we’ve also included links to credible sources of information about the coronavirus and the available vaccines.

We urge you to consult these sources to answer any questions you may have or verify information you’ve heard. Together, we can set the record straight and share information to help protect our friends, our families and each other.

Information-icon Other Trusted Sources

More information about COVID-19 vaccines is available on other trusted websites through the following links:

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MYTH 1: The COVID-19 vaccines have the live virus in them and can give me COVID

None of the available vaccines contain the live COVID-19 virus. They will not give you COVID-19.

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MYTH 2: The COVID-19 vaccines can cause infertility

There’s no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility. For additional information, click the link below to read more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Vaccination Considerations for People who are Pregnant or Breastfeeding | CDC

If you’re trying to get pregnant, currently pregnant or breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor about your risks, preferences and options before getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

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MYTH 3: I have to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine myself

If you’re a current CareFirst member, you’ll pay $0 for any FDA-authorized vaccine.

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MYTH 4: The COVID-19 vaccines are not effective in preventing illness

All the vaccines are highly effective at preventing COVID-19.

It's important to note that an accurate comparison of all the vaccines is difficult to produce, as the Johnson & Johnson and Novavax trials occurred when variant strains of the virus had been introduced to the population. The Pfizer BioNTech (Pfizer) and Moderna Vaccine/Spikevax COVID-19 Vaccine (Spikevax) vaccines were tested before this was the case.

In clinical trials, the Pfizer vaccine was 95% effective against COVID-19, while the Spikevax vaccine was 94% effective. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was 72% effective in tests conducted in the U.S. The Novavax vaccine was 90.4% effective in clinical trials.

All available vaccines perform exceptionally well in reducing severe cases, limiting hospitalization and death almost entirely. All available will save countless lives.

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MYTH 5: I already had COVID-19, so I don’t need to get vaccinated

Evidence suggests natural immunity to COVID-19 may not last very long. Plus, you can still get re-infected with COVID-19 after recovering from it.

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MYTH 6: The COVID-19 vaccines contain toxic ingredients

All COVID-19 vaccines contain common ingredients like fats, salts and a small amount of sugar.

In addition, mRNA vaccines contain Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), while the Johnson & Johnson vector vaccine contains polysorbate. The Novavax vaccine contains a purified protein of the virus mixed with an adjuvant. Learn more about the use of adjuvants in vaccines for decades. 

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

Regardless of which vaccine you get, you should be asked if you are allergic to any of their ingredients.