An anti-vaccine chiropractor who was previously identified as a leading online source of false claims about COVID-19 vaccines shared a video of a man claiming that tetanus vaccines contain “rotting organs” and a host of allegedly harmful ingredients. The man falsely suggests that it takes two to seven weeks after vaccination to develop immunity—citing a study that directly contradicts the claim—and recommends vitamin C as a vaccine alternative. Responses to the video debated the accuracy of the claims and argued that tetanus boosters are unnecessary because tetanus isn’t real. Several posts promoted unproven remedies to prevent or treat tetanus and suggested that healthy people won’t be harmed by a tetanus infection.
Recommendation
Myths about tetanus vaccines may cause hesitancy and prevent people from vaccinating their children or getting a life-saving tetanus shot after potential exposure. Messaging may explain the severity of a tetanus infection and emphasize that vaccination is nearly 100 percent effective against tetanus. Talking points may also emphasize that tetanus vaccines are very safe and contain no harmful ingredients.
