After President Donald Trump announced he plans to invest $500 billion in AI infrastructure, a tech CEO suggested that the technology could be used to develop personalized mRNA vaccines against cancers within 48 hours. The claim met harsh criticism online from social media users who felt the statement underestimates the complexities behind the immune system and vaccine development. Other commenters rejected the idea that all mRNA vaccines are unsafe and expressed support for a general mRNA technology, while others claimed mRNA vaccines will lead to a “mass extinction event.” Several posts repeated the conspiracy theory that mRNA cancer vaccines are designed to fight cancer caused by COVID-19 vaccines.
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Some people oppose mRNA-based vaccines and treatments due to fear or confusion about how the technology works. Prebunking messaging may explain that scientists have developed mRNA technology for decades and that mRNA vaccines and therapies are subject to the same rigorous safety screening and approval process as every drug on the market. Messaging may highlight that four years of research in millions of people have found no evidence of widespread safety concerns linked to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.
Fact-checking sources: IDSA, Public Good News
