After a vaccinated congressperson tested positive for COVID-19, he noted that being vaccinated and boosted made him less likely to become seriously ill. In response, a conservative commentator responded that many unvaccinated people have mild COVID-19 infections, so that isn’t a reason to get vaccinated. Numerous studies have demonstrated that vaccinated people are at a significantly lower risk of becoming seriously ill, and people with boosters have an even lower risk. Vaccines are life-saving particularly for people over age 65, like the congressman, and those who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or have conditions that make them particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.
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The high-profile source of this misinformation elevates its risk. Emphasizing that COVID-19 vaccines remain the best form of protection against the virus and that unvaccinated people are at a higher risk from the virus is recommended. Emphasizing that booster doses can increase protection against COVID-19 for those already vaccinated is also recommended. In addition, explaining that vaccination is more effective than treatment—because it’s impossible to predict how severe a COVID-19 infection will be for an unvaccinated individual—is also recommended. Fact-Checking Source(s):
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