Qaqambile Mdledle 
The Department of Health says there has been a lot of misinformation surrounding the vaccines and their development and stresses that COVID-19 vaccine is one the important steps in managing the spread of coronavirus.
The department said it was important to separate myths from facts before getting vaccinated for COVID-19.
On why the COVID-19 vaccine was developed so quickly, how safe and effective is the COVID-19 vaccine and what are the potential vaccine side effects, the department said that the vaccine developers did not cut corners. Rather, a true global emergency paired with early application of substantial resources made it possible. 
Only vaccines that meet standards for safety and efficacy are approved for emergency use by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). 
The department further explained that some people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 might still get infected because no vaccine is 100% effective. Experts continue to monitor and evaluate how often this occurs.
"All medical treatments have some degree of risk. For vaccines, that risk is typically small. Many vaccines have mild side effects, which usually range from soreness at the site of injection to a slight fever, body aches and a headache; and some people have no reactions at all," said the department.
However, the department said it was important to know that risks reported in connection with the COVID-19 vaccine were significantly lower and less severe than the risks associated with contracting COVID-19 itself.
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), vaccines work by teaching your body to recognize specific dangerous pathogens so your immune system is prepared to fight off that infection in the future.