Fact vs. Fiction: The COVID-19 Vaccine — Family Planning Services

The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging in so many ways, but there’s good news! Scientists have created a vaccine in record time to help us end the pandemic together. With anything new, fear and apprehension are totally valid, but that’s why it’s great that can rely on other’s expertise and guidance. We hear a lot about our reproductive health from many different places, such as our friends, family, and social media, but it’s important to remember that not all information is created equal. When it comes to your health, be sure to look to reliable sources such as your doctor, the local health department, or the CDC for information.

We’re also here to help you separate fact from fiction. One common myth is that the COVID-19 vaccine causes infertility. We understand how scary this sounds! But the truth is that there is no evidence that the vaccine causes infertility. Let’s break it down together.

Vaccines are like harmless bite sized versions of an actual infection. None of the COVID-19 vaccines actually contain the live virus. Instead, they introduce your body to what the infection looks like so it can be prepared for the real deal. The COVID-19 vaccines work by targeting coronavirus spike proteins. These spike proteins are like flags that help direct the body exactly where to fight the infection.

Here’s where the myth comes in. The placenta (which is important for a pregnancy) needs a protein called syncytin-1. Some people falsely shared that the coronavirus spike proteins and syncytin-1 are similar, so the vaccine must cause infertility. This false information spread very quickly on social media, but it’s not true! If this myth was true, we would see more infertility in people that have been vaccinated already. But we’re not seeing that. Let me say it one more time; The COVID-19 vaccine does not cause infertility.

Ultimately, it is your choice to get the vaccine. But we want to empower you to make the most informed decision possible! Do it for your community. Do it for your family. Do it for yourself.

Read on to explore some frequently asked questions and learn about resources in our community!

1. Am I eligible?

a. Yes! Anyone over 16 is eligible to sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine in New York. Moderna and Johnson and Johnson are approved for those 18+. Pfizer is approved for those 16+.

2. How much does it cost?

a. There is no cost for the COVID-19 vaccine, whether you have insurance or not.

3. Do I need health insurance?

a. No – you do not need health insurance. Some places may ask for health insurance information if you have it, but insurance is not required to get vaccinated.

4. Does my immigration status affect my eligibility?

a. No – everyone over the age of 16 is eligible!

b. You may be asked for some form of ID, but you do not need to provide proof of immigration status.

5. Where can I go?

a. The Onondaga County Health Department is hosting a clinic at the Oncenter.

b. There is a state run clinic at the New York State Fairgrounds.

c. You can also check out Vaccinefinder.org and enter your zip code for more locations such as CVS, Wegmans, or other pharmacies.

6. How do I make an appointment?

a. For the Onondaga County clinic go to covid19.ongov.net/vaccine/1st-dose-screening-form/

b. For the New York State Fairgrounds go to - am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov or call 833-697-4829.

c. After checking availability, call your local pharmacies to make an appointment or get on a waiting list!

7. What are my options?

a. There are two vaccines that have been approved for emergency use authorization by the FDA (as of 4/13/21).

i. Pfizer/BioNTech is a 2 shot series given 3 weeks apart and approved for those 16 and older

Moderna is a 2 shot series given 4 weeks apart and approved for those 18 and older