A February 19 article in a British tabloid fueled speculation that the Trump administration plans to ban mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The article highlights the anti-vaccine beliefs of key members of the administration’s health team but does not provide evidence of any actual policy or plans to ban the vaccines. Several high-profile anti-vaccine figures circulated the article and claimed without evidence that the vaccines are linked to excess death. Social media users also discussed a failed Montana bill and a proposed Kentucky bill attempting to ban mRNA vaccines. Several commenters claimed that mRNA vaccines are “destructive and lethal.”
Recommendation
The false belief that mRNA-based therapies are unsafe is widespread, and legislation targeting mRNA vaccines may further damage public trust in the technology. Debunking messaging may explain that mRNA technology is based on decades of research that led to the development of COVID-19 vaccines and may potentially lead to many other lifesaving advances, like vaccines for cancer and HIV. Messaging may also emphasize that billions of people have safely received mRNA vaccines without widespread health concerns.
Fact-checking sources: Infectious Diseases Society of America, Public Good News
