Debunking COVID-19 Myths in Utah

As the cold weather approaches and kids return to school and people start spending more time indoors, it is important to get your COVID-19 vaccine or booster. If you are hesitant, read through some common myths we identified from a survey of over 500 adults across the state of Utah. It’s not too late to protect yourself, your family, and your community by getting vaccinated or boosted.
Myths | Facts |
---|---|
Myth: COVID-19 vaccines are not safe because they were rapidly developed and tested. |
Fact: Available vaccines were tested in clinical trials on thousands of people to ensure safety and did not skip any steps before being approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). |
Myth: People who have had COVID-19 and recovered do not need a vaccine or booster. |
Fact: Getting vaccinated after a previous infection is recommended as it has been shown to reduce the risk of reinfection and the spread to others. It also reduces the chances of new variants developing. |
Myth: COVID-19 vaccines cause serious side effects and are more dangerous than the disease. |
Fact: The majority of side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccines are short-term and minor. In comparison, over 1 million people have died from COVID-19 in the U.S., and many suffer from severe long-term complications. |
Myth: COVID-19 vaccines will alter my DNA. |
Fact: COVID-19 vaccines do not change your DNA in any way. The vaccine provides your body instructions to build protection against the virus that causes COVID-19 and then is discarded. |

Vaccine Stats in Utah
- 1 out of every 3 people (33%) is not fully vaccinated in Utah.
- Compared to fully vaccinated people, unvaccinated Utahns are:
- 2.2 times more likely to be hospitalized.
- 3.6 times more likely to die from COVID-19.
Boosters Are Available
New COVID-19 boosters are now available and recommended for people 12 years and older. Schedule your appointment today by visiting www.vaccines.gov
For more USU Extension COVID-19 resources, visit https://extension.usu.edu/covid-19/
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022, July 20). Myths and facts about COVID-19 vaccines. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html
- Health. (2022, April 29). COVID-19 vaccines: Myth versus fact. John Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved September 15, 2022, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines-myth-versus-fact
- Utah Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Utah COVID-19 data. Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://coronavirus-dashboard.utah.gov/risk.html
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2020). Emergency use authorization for vaccines explained. Retrieved September 15, 2022, https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/vaccines/emergency-useauthorization-vaccines-explained
Published October 2022
Utah State University Extension
Peer-reviewed fact sheet
Authors
Jessica D. Ulrich-Schad, Ph.D., and Aaron Hunt, Ph.D., Kinesiology and Health Science