In response to the CDC’s new mask guidelines for the fully vaccinated, an article published by a site shown to spread misinformation falsely claimed that the CDC Director admitted that COVID-19 vaccines are failing. The article also claims that vaccinated people are super spreaders of COVID-19 and new variants. In a recent phone briefing, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky stated that a small number of vaccinated people may become infected with the Delta variant and that vaccinated people who are infected with the Delta variant can have a similar viral load as infected unvaccinated people. But vaccinated people are three times less likely than unvaccinated people to contract Delta, making it much harder for them to spread it to others. The new mask guidelines were not an indication that the vaccines are ineffective; on the contrary, the vaccines were found to be about 88 percent effective at preventing serious illness and death from Delta. More than 90 percent of all COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths are among the unvaccinated.
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While addressing this specific instance of misinformation could distract from priority talking points, there is widespread confusion and concern regarding breakthrough cases and the Delta variant. News reporting, health authorities attempts to inform the public, and misinformation and disinformation are converging in the information landscape. Health communicators are recommended to keep the public informed with updates at regular intervals, and to update educational and informational materials, if they have not already done so. Fact Checking Source(s): Kaiser Family Foundation, AFP Fact Check
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