We all are so concerned when it comes to our health. Especially during this pandemic, people seem to be more careful than before regarding their own and their family’s health. Similarly, we make sure to wear the mask, check whether the products that we buy are sanitized or not. Meanwhile, it is good that we have realized the seriousness of this pandemic and are taking all the precautions to stay away from the virus. Since 2020, covid has shaken the world in every way. Along with that, we all have witnessed the devastating impact of covid in our lives. Nevertheless, even after being fully aware of the situation, some people are delaying in taking the vaccine.
The reason lies in the social stigma regarding vaccination. As we all know that social media is a powerful weapon and it can be helpful if we use it in the right way. But there are many myths on social media regarding vaccination that are making people fear it. Additionally, some people believe in fake information and share it within seconds. Therefore, the stigmas are spreading all over the internet rapidly.
Vaccination and social stigma
Social stigma means discriminating against people based on their appearance, behavior, culture, or even disease. It means forming a stereotype against a set of people that fall into the category and treating them differently. Furthermore, it is usually used to show others (stigmatized) in a negative, weak, and unlikable way. For example, people of certain states are socially stigmatized when they come across people of different cultures, usually claimed to be advanced ones. Again, people affected with certain diseases like HIV AIDS face numerous social stigmas socially.
Stigmas related to vaccine
So basically all over the internet, there is much misinformation and false news regarding the vaccine. Therefore, even though it has been more than a year since the vaccine was launched in the USA, many people are yet to take it. Most of the time, people do not check any credible source and there are zero accuracies about the information. Here are some major stigmas regarding the covid vaccine that are spreading worldwide-
Covid vaccine affects women’s fertility
One of the most spread myths about the covid vaccine is that it affects women’s fertility. But NO!! The covid vaccine does not affect anyone’s fertility. Meanwhile, there was a false report which stated that the vaccine would cause a woman’s body to fight different spike proteins and affect her fertility. Whereas, in reality, the two spike proteins are completely different and it would in no way affect the fertility of any woman.
Taking vaccines during menstruation
There were many posts on social media saying that women should avoid taking vaccines during their period. However, the truth is your period has no effect on the vaccine efficacy and there is no hard in taking the vaccine on your period.
You get the virus with the vaccine
Meanwhile, many Whatsapp or other social media rumors say that people can get the virus through the vaccine. Where on earth is it true that a vaccine contains the virus? Even after being smart and civilized enough, many people are delaying the vaccine because of such silly rumors. The purpose of the vaccine is to protect and give you strength and not give you the virus.
The vaccine will have a long-term effect
The reason behind many people not getting ready for the vaccination is that they believe the vaccine will have a long-term effect on their bodies. Whereas, this is completely false. Although, one may face a couple of side effects, sort of a little bit of headache, which happens because the vaccine creates an immune reaction. But it has no long-term effect on one’s health.
Young and healthy people do not need to get vaccinated
Having this myth can lead someone to suffer the worst. The second wave of the deadly virus took away many young lives. Though some young may contain the virus without showing any symptoms. And this could be another risk factor as they can carry the virus unknowingly and spread it to others. Therefore, everyone must take the vaccine shot on time.
The vaccination stigma
The stigma often arises from a lack of understanding and fear. Similarly, the stigma related to covid or covid vaccine started with a lack of proper information about the virus as well as the vaccine. When the pandemic first started, it was something new to all of us. Along with that, the social media stories started and people started to believe in everything they read on their Facebook or Twitter timeline. Similarly, many stories start to cook about vaccination as well. In such a situation, people are anxious about the disease which leads to social stigma.
If the reason for stigma is a lack of knowledge, then proper awareness can help a society to get rid of the stigma. Moreover, the youth has a vital role to play in this scenario. As social media can be prime to spread awareness, one needs to make sure they are spreading accurate news. Along with that, the youth can try to arrange campaigns to spread awareness about the importance of taking the vaccine. On the other hand, people should be more careful while believing in every news and sharing it further. 24/7 Labs help in covid-19 testing.
Also read: Debunking Myths About Covid Vaccines
