Hungarian professor answers the most common concerns about vaccination

The coronavirus changed many lives, took beloved people, and the biggest pandemic since the plague does not seem to be disappearing anytime soon. After opening up again, places had to be closed, and our social life is not the same as it used to be. Everyone wants life to be back to “normal”, even if we have to redefine normal. But why is it that despite all these circumstances, many people refuse the vaccine? What are the main concerns, and what is a professor’s response? Find out in the article below.

Based on data published on koronavirus.gov.hu, there are 9,781 people infected with Covid-19 in Budapest and 46,479 in rural areas. 144,385 people recovered from the illness in Budapest and 660,335 people in rural areas. 5,559 people passed away in Budapest and 25,625 residents in rural areas. 25,516 people are currently in quarantine.

Unvaccinated children aged 12-18 and children under the age of 12 are also endangered by the coronavirus, reported RTL. In the past, children either did not have symptoms, or the symptoms of Covid-19 were mild in their case. Now, more and more children are getting the virus and have noticeable symptoms. This is due to the long quarantine period because children were protected from germs, for example. Now, seasonal respiratory illnesses seem to be more common among kids. They even show symptoms of Covid-19.

Despite the new wave and the spread of many variants, only 5,967,747 people got the vaccine in Hungary.

Many unvaccinated citizens reject the vaccines because they do not trust them. HVG asked Zsolt Boldogkői, the Head of the Department of Medical Biology at the University of Szeged, to respond to the most common questions and concerns that people have about the jab.

The professor said that the vaccine does not change DNA. This misinformation might be based on some confusion. Some vaccines contain adenoviruses, which are often mistaken for adeno-associated viruses. The first one is used for vaccines. The latter is used in gene therapy, but they are not in any of the Covid-19 vaccines.

The professor agrees that pharmaceutical companies want to gain profit but adds that this is the same with every product. He also explained that vaccines go through a rigorous process to be approved. He added that vaccines make the immune system function, and vaccines have different results for those who already have a weaker immune system. Another point he makes is that every medicine has its side effects.

The virus is significantly less likely to infect those who are vaccinated and is also less likely to be passed on to others. Even if the virus is detected in their body, they are infected for a much shorter time and pass on the virus to others for a shorter time. There are significantly fewer vaccinated people hospitalised than non-vaccinated people. However, elderly people with weak immune systems are still more likely to get the virus.

Another piece of important information is that people do not die of the vaccine. Unfortunately, there can be adverse side effects, but these happen in an extremely small number of cases. The vaccines are not dangerous to pregnant women and their unborn babies, but it is wise to discuss getting the vaccine with your doctor. They might advise you on which vaccine you should take.

Another false piece of information is that people cannot get the virus if they do not go to social gatherings or crowds. Besides, healthy and young people can get the virus as well. Moreover, vaccines are safe.

The professor said that if 3.91 billion people on the planet got the vaccine and there have not been serious issues, then issues are unlikely to occur in the future.

Source: RTL, HVG, koronavirus.gov.hu