Popular social media posts are spreading false and misleading claims about alleged severe side effects from COVID-19 vaccines. The posts use unverified anecdotes and unsupported anti-vaccine “studies” to falsely link COVID-19 vaccination to blood clots, blindness, stroke, and death. Several vaccine opponents claim that COVID-19 vaccines contain “toxic” ingredients and that severe side effects are widespread but being concealed by doctors and health officials. Spanish-language posts claim that “killer” COVID-19 vaccines have caused millions of deaths.
Recommendation
Social media posts about alleged COVID-19 vaccine injuries often go viral and may increase vaccine hesitancy. Health communicators may respond with empathy and transparency when addressing concerns about vaccine safety, while emphasizing that serious adverse reactions are extremely rare. Debunking messaging may explain that experts worldwide have investigated COVID-19 vaccine safety for more than five years and have found no evidence of major safety concerns. Talking points may continue to emphasize that COVID-19 vaccines are very safe and the best protection against severe illness, long COVID, and death.
Fact-checking sources: Science Feedback, EMA
Communication resources: Find more talking points about COVID-19
