A video making the rounds on social media in the Philippines falsely claims that the anti-parasitic medication ivermectin is an effective alternative to the COVID-19 vaccine. The video was posted by an anti-abortion account and appears to suggest that people opposed to abortion may want to avoid the COVID-19 vaccine, likely due to the myth that the vaccines contain fetal tissue. There is no evidence that ivermectin can effectively prevent or treat COVID-19. A recent study found that ivermectin was no more effective than placebo at preventing hospitalization in COVID-19 patients.
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Bad actors online continue to try to downplay severe COVID-19 disease by promoting unapproved treatments. Informational and educational resources may address existing approved treatments for COVID-19, as well as refute and debunk widely reported unapproved treatments and cures. As speculation regarding the use of ivermectin for treatment of COVID-19 is widespread, explaining the current state of evidence and official guidance in such materials is recommended. Fact Checking Source(s):
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