Question: Can mRNA vaccines alter my DNA?
NO. The vaccine will not change your DNA structure. The good news is that this fear is unfounded. The bad news is that such misinformation leads people to believe in pseudoscience and dangerous falsehoods. Unfortunately, this is not the first time claims have surfaced suggesting a coronavirus vaccine could alter DNA.
The rumor began in March 2020, when Mr. Gates mentioned in an interview that eventually ‘we will have some digital certificates.’ These certificates would indicate who had recovered, been tested, and ultimately, who had been vaccinated, referring to what is commonly known as a Vaccine Passport—not altering your DNA.
Verified News stories
Just 12 People Are Behind Most Vaccine Hoaxes On Social Media, Research Shows
Here's why this is important...
Researchers from the Center for Countering Digital Hate have found just 12 people are responsible for the bulk of the misleading claims and outright lies about COVID-19 vaccines that proliferate on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The ‘Disinformation Dozen’ produces 65% of the shares of anti-vaccine misinformation on social media platforms.
These figures are well-known to both researchers and social networks. They include anti-vaccine activists, alternative health entrepreneurs and physicians. Some of them run multiple accounts across different platforms. They often promote “natural health products.”
Who's involved
Imran Ahmed Chief Executive Officer
John Gregory Deputy Health Editor
Amy Klobuchar Senator, Minnesota
Kevin McAlister Spokesperson, Facebook
Elizabeth Busby Spokesperson, Twitter
Jessica Calarco Sociologist
How have Covid-19 vaccines been made quickly and safely?
Here's why this is important...
Unfortunately, there has been a lot of misinformation surrounding the vaccines, particularly on how the COVID-19 vaccines were developed so quickly without cutting corners. This has caused people to hesitate and/or develop misleading narratives on vaccine safety.
The global Covid-19 pandemic demanded a new approach to vaccine development. In an unprecedented situation, international collaboration and governments’ focus led to developing safe Covid-19 vaccines in less than a year, which created a blueprint for future vaccine development. Here’s how.
Who's involved
Wellcome Trust
Verified podcast
Has the pandemic enabled us to accelerate the pace of drug development?
Here's why this is important...
Most of us were blindsided by the novel virus SarsCov2, but infectious disease experts had been warning about the possibility of a global pandemic for some years. For them, it was never a matter of if, but when. What did come as a surprise was the speed of scientific progress to fight Covid 19. The first effective vaccine, from Pfizer/BioNTech, was developed in under 300 days, followed in successive weeks by Moderna and Oxford/AstraZeneca.
The results of the UK’s RECOVERY trial, which was organised in a matter of weeks, has saved an estimated million lives worldwide by identifying which treatments are effective in treating Covid 19. And regulators around the globe are using innovative programmes to get medical products to people faster. During the pandemic, the world witnessed how fast medicine can advance with an abundance of cash and collaboration. Question: is progress at this speed and cost sustainable?
Who's involved
Rod MacKenzie, Ph.D Chief Development Officer
Nuala Murphy President Clinical Research Services
Professor Sir Martin Landray Co-Chief Investigator, RECOVERY Trial
Nicholas Jackson Head of Programmes and Technology
Christian Schneider Interim Chief Scientific Officer
Hilda Bastian Independent Scientist
MISINFORMATION: Is COVID Misinformation Killing People? (with Facebook’s Nick Clegg)
Here's why this is important...
Andy talks with Nick Clegg, Facebook’s Vice President of Global Affairs, about one of the most important issues out there: Facebook, social media, COVID-19 and misinformation. After President Biden said Facebook is “killing people” with COVID misinformation, Andy and Nick discuss what Facebook says its obligation is with regard to misinformation, what they’re doing to combat it, and whether it’s enough.
*BONUS EXTENDED CUT: Is COVID Misinformation Killing People? (with Facebook’s Nick Clegg) Andy/Nick continued
Who's involved
Andy Slavitt Former Biden White House Sr Advisor for COVID Response; Podcaster: In the Bubble with Andy Slavitt: Our Shot
Nick Clegg VP Global Affairs
Verified Videos
Vaccine myths vs science
Why it's important to filter information...
WHO’s Dr Katherine O’Brien busts some vaccine myths related to infertility, DNA and composition of vaccines in this week’s Science in 5. Episode #24 – Vaccine myths vs science
Who's involved
Professor Katherine O’Brien Department of International Health & Department of Epidemiology
Vismita Gupta-Smith Head, Strategy, Planning & Coordination at Department of Communications
