Last Updated on March 11, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
According to a widely shared post, there is a chance of viral shedding with the COVID-19 vaccine. After verifying the assertion, we found that it is Mostly False.
The Claim
A widely shared Instagram post titled COVID-19 Vaccine Shedding is Not Only Real but “Very Common”, claims that people who have had COVID vaccinations are shedding viral particles, which puts the public at risk. A screenshot is attached below:
After doing extensive research, we found multiple posts on social media regarding COVID-19 that purport to sterilise people humans, induce heart failure, or even be poisonous. We have meticulously verified the accuracy of these claims through fact-checking.
Fact Check
What does the term ‘Vaccination Shedding’ mean?
Vaccination shedding refers to exuding vaccine or live virus components by a vaccinated person. This has the potential to infect others. It is critical to remember that live-attenuated vaccines, such as MMR and the oral polio vaccine, are frequently associated with shedding. This is so because vaccinations containing live-attenuated virus strains are made using weakened viral strains, which seldom produce shedding but usually lead to mild instances that are not hazardous for the general public. However, inactivated or subunit vaccinations typically do not exhibit shedding.
In addition to vaccination type, this vaccine-shedding phenomenon can be observed in more vulnerable individuals, such as those with compromised immune systems. These are mostly people undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, and those with autoimmune diseases, as their immune systems are weaker against vaccine-strain viruses.
With a better understanding of vaccine shedding and its impacts, public health professionals can take more appropriate action to protect vulnerable populations and reduce the risk of transmission.
Are COVID-19 vaccinations capable of shedding?
No, not really. It should be clarified that while some live-attenuated vaccinations (such as the oral polio vaccine) are associated with shedding, most modern vaccinations, including those developed for COVID-19, are not. This is because these vaccines are based on mRNA and protein subunits, which do not contain live, weakened viral particles and hence cannot induce shedding.
Please be advised that mRNA vaccines are an innovative form of immunisation. These usually work by introducing a tiny amount of mRNA into human cells, prompting them to produce an encrypted, harmless protein that resembles a fragment of the virus. This protein sets off or stimulates an immune response, preparing the body to identify and eliminate that specific virus later without causing any shedding. Furthermore, these vaccines are extremely versatile, allowing for quick creation to counter new threats like COVID-19.
Protein-subunit-based COVID-19 vaccines contain inactive copies of the COVID-19 spike proteins and an additional adjuvant. During immunisation, these vaccines transfer specific proteins to nearby cells instead of carrying the entire virus. Subsequently, the immune system attacks these proteins because it detects them as foreign. Adjuvants in the vaccine aid in the production of antibodies by the immune system and activate additional immune cells, preparing the body to fight off infections in the future.
It should be emphasised that they are not able to actually create an infection because they don’t contain live viruses. Although there is a chance that the mRNA vaccination can cause side effects, one explanation in the case of the COVID-19 vaccine might be the released mRNA or the lipid nanoparticles’ pro-inflammatory characteristics. Because of its exceptional success against a wide spectrum of viral disorders, this novel technology shows promise for tackling them.
Moreover, it has been proposed that despite vaccination, both the vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals may still shed infectious viruses for specific SARS-CoV-2 variations, such as the Delta variant. However, the total risk of vaccine shedding is still negligible, and vaccination has more advantages for public health in terms of preventing serious diseases and limiting transmission.
Thus, understanding the variations across vaccine types and how they work is essential to dispelling myths and promoting informed vaccination decisions. We noted that although there is reason to be concerned about shedding with certain vaccinations, this may not be the case with COVID-19 shots.
What safety precautions should be taken when administering live-attenuated vaccinations?
Live-attenuated vaccinations have distinct safety and efficacy criteria, yet they are beneficial for providing lifelong protection. These vaccines might pose a risk to individuals who are immunosuppressive, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or those who have been diagnosed with HIV. Therefore, prior to receiving live-attenuated vaccines, such individuals should speak with their doctors. Also, live vaccinations are not indicated for pregnant women due to possible dangers to their babies. Furthermore, alternative vaccinations are preferred by those with severe allergies to vaccine components. The attenuated virus may, however, infrequently be transferred to close contacts, particularly those who are more vulnerable to contracting infection. Finally, since some live vaccinations have age restrictions, it is best to adhere to the suggested vaccination regimens to ensure safety. Therefore, regular consultations with healthcare providers are critical for making informed vaccine-associated decisions.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
