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Published research from the Wuhan Institute of Virology didn’t describe artificially created monkeypox strains; the research is unrelated to the 2022 monkeypox outbreak

Researchers from the Wuhan Institute of Virology synthesized a genetic sequence representing less than a third of the whole monkeypox genome. Their work did not recreate an entire virus. The genome sequence they used is from a virus belonging to the Congo Basin monkeypox clade, whereas the 2022 monkeypox outbreak involves a monkeypox virus from the West Africa clade. The published research is thus unrelated to the outbreak.

Monkeypox outbreak triggers conspiracy theories on social media claiming that it was planned or incorrectly linking it to COVID-19 vaccines

Several countries in Europe, America, and Asia are notifying cases of monkeypox cases in people with no recent travel history to regions where the disease is endemic, that is, limited regions in Central and West Africa where the virus circulates. While the spread of the monkeypox virus in non-endemic countries is unusual and concerning, the cases detected so far are unlikely to cause a pandemic like SARS-CoV-2 did. The main reasons are that the number of cases is low, the virus doesn’t spread very easily, and smallpox vaccines also protect against monkeypox infection.

Following COVID-19 vaccination, the spike protein is produced in small quantities in the body, which have not been shown to be harmful

The spike protein is a vital component for the SARS-CoV-2 virus to infect cells. As it is situated on the virus’s surface, it is an easy target for the immune system to recognize. The COVID-19 vaccines cause the body to produce a small amount of spike protein, which is cleared within days, to prompt an immune response. There is no evidence that the spike protein causes damage to cells at these levels, and there is no evidence that “detox” diets will alter this process. The risks of developing serious complications like blood clots or lung damage are far higher after severe COVID-19 than after a vaccine; in fact, vaccination helps to reduce this risk instead.

Event 201 isn’t evidence that authorities knew or planned the COVID-19 pandemic

Awareness of the risks of a pandemic existed before the emergence of COVID-19. The pandemic potential of coronaviruses has been known since at least the SARS outbreak of 2003. This group of viruses is therefore a logical choice for pandemic preparedness events such as Event 201. Thus, the fact that Event 201 occurred months before the COVID-19 is not evidence that the COVID-19 was already known or planned.

The benefits of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing severe disease and other complications outweigh the risk of myocarditis, which is higher after COVID-19 itself

mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are associated with rare cases of typically mild inflammation of the heart muscle. However, this risk is low compared to the risk of cardiac complications that COVID-19 itself carries. By reducing the likelihood of infection and preventing severe COVID-19, vaccination protects against the many problems associated with the disease, including myocarditis.

Multiple studies show that COVID-19 vaccines don’t cause pregnancy or fertility problems, despite widespread claims on social media

Pregnant women are more likely to develop severe COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant women. COVID-19 also increases the risk of pregnancy complications, including preterm delivery and stillbirth. COVID-19 vaccines can prevent these risks and aren’t associated with any safety issues during pregnancy. Therefore, public health authorities recommend that pregnant women get a COVID-19 vaccine.

The CGG CGG genetic sequence and furin cleavage sites also exist in naturally-occurring viruses; these features aren’t evidence of genetic manipulation

The CGG CGG genetic sequence is rare in the SARS-CoV-2 genome, but it can be readily found in nature, in many other genomes. SARS-CoV-2 possesses molecular features, such as a furin cleavage site in its spike protein, which enhance its disease-causing ability. This site is also present in other coronaviruses. The most likely hypothesis so far is that SARS-CoV-2 acquired these molecular traits through spontaneous exchange of genetic material with other viruses.

No evidence that SARS-CoV-2 was engineered in a laboratory, contrary to claim by Li-Meng Yan

Claims that the virus SARS-CoV-2 was engineered in a laboratory haven’t been substantiated by evidence. The virus’ genome and evolutionary trajectory are consistent with those of naturally-occurring viruses. Based on the scientific evidence so far, the consensus held by experts is that the virus most likely emerged naturally, by evolving in animals before later jumping to humans (zoonosis).

Cases of severe acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children are unrelated to COVID-19 vaccines

Since October 2021, almost 200 cases of a severe acute hepatitis of unknown origin have been detected in young children from several European countries and in the U.S. One of the disease’s most striking features is its unusual severity, with 10% of the cases requiring liver transplantation. The leading hypothesis so far is that an adenovirus infection is causing or contributing to the disease, but health authorities are continuing to investigate other potential causes, including exposure to a toxic agent or infection by a novel pathogen.