Several social media posts have gone viral over the last week claiming that emerging COVID-19 variants and the updated vaccine available this fall are the result of the upcoming election and Pfizer stock decreasing. The posts also imply that the fall vaccination campaign is being driven by a desire for pharmaceutical profits and not public safety.
Misinformation about new and emerging COVID-19 variants may cause people to forgo boosters and doubt future public health guidance. Debunking talking points may emphasize the importance of staying up to date on vaccinations to have the best protection against the current dominant COVID-19 strain.