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

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