Thread by @ScienceUpFirst

Heard some sketchy stuff about the COVID-19 vaccine and your immune system?

This thread breaks down the myths 👇

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Myth: “COVID-19 vaccines created an HIV variant”

Reality: COVID-19 vaccines are not responsible for an HIV variant circulating in the Netherlands. A misrepresented study actually says the variant likely emerged in the 1990s.

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Myth: “COVID-19 vaccines make you more susceptible to HIV/AIDS”

Reality: There is no UK report claiming vaccines increase the incidence of AIDS. Vaccines don't lower your T cell count causing immunosuppression. Vaccines boost T cell response!

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Myth: “COVID-19 vaccines make you more susceptible to the common cold”

Reality: COVID-19 vaccines do not weaken your body’s ability to fight off the cold and flu. But, reports of more severe cold symptoms this season are factual, so what’s the deal? 👇

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Lockdowns during the 2020-21 cold/flu season reduced COVID infections *and* other types of respiratory infection.

Less exposure means less built-up immunity, leading to increased severity this season. But this has nothing to do with COVID-19 vaccines.

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Myth: “The vaccinated make fewer antibodies than the unvaccinated”

Reality: A UK report was misrepresented. Nucleocapsid antibody (N antibody) levels appear lower in individuals infected and vaccinated vs. infected but unvaccinated. What’s the deal?👇

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This actually means vaccines are doing their job! Vaccines help limit the impact of the virus by reducing viral replication. Less virus means fewer N antibodies.

An infection + vaccine offers excellent hybrid immunity.

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Myth: “Boosters overload the immune system”

Reality: An EU health official’s comments were misrepresented. He cautioned against scheduling boosters too close together, which could lead to a smaller immune *response*, not weaken the immune *system*.

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We already know that increasing the interval between doses increases its effectiveness. There is no evidence that additional boosters will overwhelm or weaken the immune response.

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Truth: A COVID-19 infection can damage your immune system.

COVID-19 vaccines are not going to hurt your immune system, but an infection can.

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…Phew, that was a lot. Let’s review:

- Vaccines do not suppress your immune system

- Vaccines won’t make colds worse

- Antibodies alone cannot determine your immune system’s effectiveness

- Boosters don’t overload the immune system

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Questions about vaccines? We’re here to help!

References: tinyurl.com/SUFImmuneSystem

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