The loss of Twitter’s COVID-19 policy coupled with the proposed return of the blue check subscription that enables any individual to purchase account verification without vetting means that anti-vaccine conspiracists will now have increased reach on the platform. The impact is unlikely to be limited to COVID-19, as many accounts that promote misleading COVID-19 content also circulate misinformation and conspiracy theories about vaccines, polio, and other health issues.

Continuing to report misinformation on other platforms is recommended, as is exercising caution when consuming and sharing health information on Twitter. Following trusted accounts and double-checking that verified accounts are real and reputable sources of information are also recommended. Consider countering misinformation on the safety and efficacy of vaccines by emphasizing the amount of time and research that goes into the development process and the billions of people worldwide who have safely received vaccines.

Fact-Checking Source(s):

• NPR

Messaging may emphasize that the article clearly explains that vaccinated people are at lower risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19. The numbers are misleading because 70 percent of the population and over 93 percent of people over the age of 65—who are at greatest risk of COVID-19 death—are fully vaccinated. It’s not surprising that when an overwhelming majority of a population belongs to a group, then that group will make up a large proportion of any effect. For example, people wearing seatbelts make up the majority of car accident deaths. That doesn’t mean that seatbelts cause these deaths or that not wearing a seatbelt is safer. It just means that because most people wear seatbelts, most car accidents, fatal or otherwise, involve people wearing seatbelts.

Fact-Checking Source(s):

• Lead Stories

Emphasizing the documentary’s misrepresentations and blatant lies is recommended, as is explaining that the film blames any sudden or unexplained death on COVID-19 vaccines, without any evidence, knowledge of other health conditions, or even confirmation of vaccination status. Consider combating misinformation by explaining that baselessly claiming that deaths are related to vaccines, even when there is evidence to the contrary, is a common tactic of vaccine opponents. Many of the people featured in the film didn’t die at all; they fainted, collapsed from exhaustion, or experienced seizures. Among those featured in the film are people who fainted due to low blood pressure and an athlete who collapsed before any COVID-19 vaccines were available. One teen died from heart complications before vaccines were authorized for his age group and another died the day before she was scheduled to get vaccinated. Several autopsy experts have pointed out that the blood clots featured in the film are consistent with normal blood clotting that occurs after death. Messaging may emphasize that there is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines increase the risk of sudden death and that the vaccines have been safely administered to 70 percent of the world’s population.

Fact-Checking Source(s):

• Lead Stories, McGill University

The location of the billboard has not been verified. Sticking to key talking points is recommended. Responding with empathy and acknowledging the concerns of parents is recommended, as is explaining how vaccination will help protect both children and their families. Informational materials may also emphasize that vaccines have been rigorously tested to make sure that they are safe for all vaccinated individuals, including children, and that adverse side effects are extremely rare. Reminding people that there is no evidence COVID-19 vaccines are harmful to children and there is considerable evidence that vaccines protect against serious illness and death from COVID-19 in children is also recommended.

Fact Checking Source(s): 

• USA Today

Messaging may emphasize that VAIDS does not exist. Explaining that it’s a made-up term coined by vaccine opponents ‌to dissuade people from getting vaccinated is recommended. Several large studies have found that getting vaccinated while pregnant has no negative effects on pregnancy outcomes or neonatal health. COVID-19 infection increases the risk of pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes, making it especially important for pregnant people to get vaccinated.

Fact Checking Source(s): 

• Reuters