COVID-19 Vaccines: Debunking Myths, Understanding Risks, and Reinforcing the Reality of Protection

Introduction

Between 2020 and 2024, global COVID-19 vaccination efforts are estimated to have averted 2.5 million deaths (range, 1.4–4.0 million) and saved 15 million life-years (range, 7–24 million). Despite these remarkable achievements, public mistrust regarding potential serious adverse events associated with various SARS-CoV-2 vaccine platforms has persisted. While some concerns have been evaluated scientifically, evidence from case-control studies consistently shows that COVID-19 infection itself causes these adverse events more frequently than vaccination. More concerningly, many claims of vaccine-related harm lack credible evidence. In this section, we address some of the most common misconceptions—each ultimately reinforcing the strong case for vaccination.

Overview of Reported Claims and Supporting Evidence Regarding COVID-19 Vaccine Safety:

1) Myth — mRNA vaccines (Pfizer/Moderna) cause myocarditis at high rates / are very dangerous

What evidence shows: There is a small increased risk of myocarditis or pericarditis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, occurring most frequently in young males after the second dose. Compared with unvaccinated individuals without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccination was associated with an elevated risk of myocarditis (risk ratio, 3.24; 95% CI, 1.55–12.44; risk difference, 2.7 events per 100,000 persons; 95% CI, 1.0–4.6). However, the risk was substantially higher among unvaccinated individuals after SARS-CoV-2 infection (risk ratio, 18.28; 95% CI, 3.95–25.12; risk difference, 11.0 events per 100,000 persons; 95% CI, 5.6–15.8). 

2) Myth — AstraZeneca / adenovector vaccines cause dangerous blood clots (VITT / TTS)

What evidence shows: A rare but severe syndrome, vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT/TTS), has been associated mainly with adenoviral-vector vaccines such as ChAdOx1 (AstraZeneca) and Ad26.COV2.S (Johnson & Johnson). Incidence is very low (a few cases per 100,000 doses) and occurs predominantly in women of reproductive age. Although mortality among VITT cases can be significant, regulatory agencies responded promptly by adding safety warnings and adjusting vaccine recommendations. Overall, the benefit–risk balance remained favorable for most populations, with some restrictions applied in higher-risk groups. Both adenoviral vaccines have since been withdrawn from the market as COVID-19 incidence declined and newer platforms became available. Nonetheless, in regions with limited vaccine access, these vaccines could still play an important role in reducing disease burden.

5) Myth — Vaccines cause Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) frequently / severe neuropathy

What evidence shows: Vaccination with adenoviral vector vaccines, but not mRNA vaccines, has been associated with a higher risk of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS). Over 80% of affected individuals developed GBS within 21 days after the first vaccine dose. The onset interval was shorter following mRNA vaccination than vector vaccination (9.7 ± 6.7 days vs. 14.2 ± 6.6 days). The relative incidence (RI) of GBS within 1–42 days after vector vaccination was 3.10 (95% CI, 1.12–8.62), slightly higher than the RI observed after SARS-CoV-2 infection (2.25; 95% CI, 1.21–4.19), but lower than that following any infection (3.35; 95% CI, 1.83–6.11). Other vaccine platforms showed a much lower risk of GBS.

6) Myth — Vaccines cause Bell’s palsy or facial paralysis

What evidence shows: Clinical trials and observational studies initially flagged possible signals (a few cases in trials), but systematic reviews and larger analyses have produced inconsistent results — overall no strong, consistent causal link established. Surveillance continues. 

7) Myth — Vaccines cause long-term chronic disease, cancer, autoimmune disease

What evidence shows: There is no high-quality evidence that COVID-19 vaccines cause cancer or widespread chronic autoimmune diseases. Vaccines are intensively monitored, and no credible causal signal linking vaccination to cancer emergence has been validated. Autoimmune events are monitored; rare immune-mediated adverse events have been reported but are uncommon and evaluated. Public-health authorities and long-term surveillance have not confirmed a broad chronic disease risk. 

8) Myth — Vaccines (or spike protein) circulate and cause systemic “toxic spike” effects / persistent spike protein damage

What evidence shows: Some lab studies show spike protein can be bioactive in certain contexts; however, vaccine-generated spike is typically transient and produced locally in small amounts that stimulate immune response. Clinical evidence that vaccine-produced spike protein causes systemic “toxic” disease in the general vaccinated population is lacking. Regulatory and expert reviews interpret the balance of evidence as vaccines being safe for approved uses.

9) Myth — Vaccines lead to increased deaths attributed to vaccination (reports in VAERS prove this)

What evidence shows: Passive reporting systems such as VAERS (U.S.) collect reports of adverse events following vaccination, including deaths; however, a VAERS report does not imply causation. Most reported deaths are determined to be coincidental or within expected background rates upon investigation. Epidemiologic analyses from more than 50 countries comparing expected versus observed mortality consistently show no evidence of widespread vaccine-related deaths. Comprehensive case reviews and large population studies confirm that COVID-19 vaccines have a strong safety profile.

10) Myth — Vaccines disrupt menstrual cycles, cause long-term reproductive changes

What evidence shows: Multiple observational studies and reviews report transient menstrual changes (timing, flow) in some people after vaccination; most effects appear short-term and resolve within a few cycles. Some registry/epidemiologic studies report small transient increases in presentations for menstrual changes; causality mechanisms are under study. The consensus: short-term changes occur for some individuals, but persistent reproductive harm is not established. Additionally, evidence indicates that SARS-CoV-2 infection and long COVID are associated with significant disruptions in menstrual bleeding patterns, whereas the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on menstruation appears to be considerably milder and less persistent.

11) Myth — Vaccines contain microchips / tracking devices / magnets (conspiracy claims)

What evidence shows: These are conspiracy claims with no credible evidence. Vaccine vials and ingredients are public (regulatory filings list components) and do not include microelectronics. Public health agencies and fact-checks have repeatedly debunked these myths.

12) Myth — Graphene/graphene oxide in vials

What evidence shows: A small number of private analysts and a few papers/posts (some in low-quality journals or preprint outlets) claimed to detect graphene/graphene oxide in vials. These results were widely criticized for weak methods and unknown sample provenance. 

A Spanish analysis (and related reports) used Raman and other microscopy on a vial they said was vaccine and reported signals they interpreted as graphene. The sample’s origin was uncertain, and experts flagged methodological flaws and lack of controls — so conclusions were not validated. That report and similar small studies were amplified on social media and politicized. 

What evidence shows: Independent fact-checks conclude the claims are unfounded. Major regulators (EMA, MHRA/UK, FDA) and vaccine manufacturers state the authorized vaccines do not contain graphene or graphene oxide; ingredients are public and subject to independent batch-release testing. Freedom-of-Information replies, and regulatory statements explicitly say no graphene is present. 

Graphene oxide has legitimate research uses (including as a lab tool to study nanomaterials) but is not an approved vaccine excipient; detecting it reliably needs validated methods and known, chain-of-custody vials. Single, non-reproducible tests on unidentified vials are weak evidence. OMCL (official medicines control laboratory) batch testing would find undeclared excipients.

Conclusions

Vaccine hesitancy fueled by myths and misinformation became especially visible during the COVID-19 pandemic. False claims about vaccine safety, fertility, DNA alteration, and mortality spread rapidly, often overshadowing the overwhelming scientific evidence supporting vaccination. While rare adverse events such as myocarditis, Guillain–Barré syndrome, and thrombotic events have been associated with certain COVID-19 vaccines, extensive research shows that these conditions occur far more frequently and severely following SARS-CoV-2 infection itself. The benefit–risk balance remains overwhelmingly in favor of vaccination, which continues to prevent millions of hospitalizations and deaths worldwide.

Combating myths and misinformation requires open, ongoing communication that anticipates and addresses emerging fears before they take hold. Physicians and other health care professionals remain the most trusted voices in countering misinformation, but restoring confidence also depends on understanding the psychological, social, and cultural factors that make such myths persuasive.

Effective responses must be evidence-driven and locally tailored, supported by skilled science communicators who can translate data into clear, accessible messages. Ultimately, consistent and transparent communication—grounded in science rather than emotion—is essential to dismantle misinformation, strengthen trust, and ensure resilient public health systems capable of withstanding future waves of vaccine skepticism.

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