Articles decry “censorship,” supposed lack of transparency around vaccines

Hundreds of studies of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments have been conducted, published, and analyzed by researchers around the world. Emphasizing that COVID-19 vaccines are the most studied vaccines in the history of vaccines is recommended. In addition, vague, unsubstantiated claims that data is being hidden from the public only serve to increase vaccine hesitancy. A transparent system of checks and balances of the governments, companies, and studies involved in vaccine development, review, and distribution is crucial to earn public trust. However, if someone is not familiar with the admittedly complicated and overlapping systems of regulation and research active around the world, this does not mean these systems do not exist or are not working. While there may be significant room for improvement in these systems, this does not compromise the safety and efficacy of vaccines. There is no evidence of a global conspiracy to hide evidence from the public. It is rather the case that translating complicated scientific methods and regulatory structures into concise and helpful information is challenging. There is certainly much room for improvement in scientific communication to the public. Informational materials can help communities keep current with regulations and research, could explain why vaccine misinformation is a public health threat, and can reiterate that fact checking and removal of inaccurate information has a different purpose than censorship.

Fact Checking Source(s): 

• KFF
• NPR