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Headlines overlook risk of COVID-19 by claiming Estonia study shows natural immunity is superior to vaccination

Both infection and vaccination can provide some protective immunity against COVID-19. However, these two pathways are neither equivalent nor mutually exclusive. Acquiring immunity through infection requires the person to expose themself to the disease. While most people will only develop a mild infection, some might end up with severe illness or even die. By contrast, vaccination is a much safer strategy for acquiring immunity and can also enhance protection in people who already have immunity from a past infection.

Anti-vaccination organization spreads baseless claim that global HPV vaccination campaign will lead to “mass casualty event”

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can be spread by skin-to-skin contact, often through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. While many HPV infections are eventually cleared by the body’s immune system, certain types of HPV can cause cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, or back of the throat. HPV vaccination, combined with regular cervical cancer screenings, can reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

There are no genetically modified organisms in the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines; no evidence these vaccines modify our DNA

Concerns over the potential health effects of residual DNA in biological products like vaccines aren’t new or unknown to regulatory agencies. Regulatory agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have recommended specific limits on the amount of residual DNA in a vaccine. DNA-containing vaccines, such as the chickenpox vaccine—a live attenuated vaccine containing a DNA virus—have also been widely used before the pandemic and have been shown to be safe.

Elon Musk’s claim that ventilators killed COVID-19 patients confuses correlation with causation

Ventilators were commonly deployed for critically ill COVID-19 patients who developed trouble breathing. The way ventilators were used initially during the pandemic was based on doctors’ experiences of treating other, known types of pneumonia. Over time, as doctors gained a better understanding of COVID-19, their approach to ventilator use also evolved. While it is probable that ventilators were used on some patients who might not have needed it in the end, the claim that ventilators, not COVID-19, were responsible for killing the majority of COVID-19 patients isn’t substantiated by evidence.

James Thorp spreads false claims that COVID-19 vaccines harm fertility, pregnancy, infant survival in The Sentinel Report interview

Ample evidence from safety surveillance and published studies continue to show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and that their benefits outweigh their risks. The vaccines are also safe before and during pregnancy, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that people who are pregnant or willing to conceive receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Study in Italy didn’t show COVID-19 vaccines have an “unacceptable” safety profile, contrary to claim by Peter McCullough

Some of the most common side effects following COVID-19 vaccination resemble flu symptoms. These include headache and fatigue. However, these side effects are relatively short-lived and aren’t associated with long-term repercussions. Getting COVID-19 is known to increase the risk of potentially serious medical problems. For example, studies have reported an elevated risk of developing blood clotting disorders and cardiovascular problems. While COVID-19 vaccination does carry risks as well, they significantly reduce the risk of severe disease and death. On balance, their benefits outweigh their risks.

Residual DNA in COVID-19 mRNA vaccines is documented, isn’t associated with genome modification or cancer, contrary to claim by Robert Malone

Epidemiological data show that additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines (“boosters”) lower the risk of getting the disease. The residual DNA in mRNA vaccines, small fragments broken down by enzymes, are leftovers from the manufacturing process. Its amount is within the acceptable range determined by health agencies, which are aware of the phenomenon. No scientific data support the possibility of a potential risk to health of this residual DNA.

Preventing deaths isn’t the sole benefit of COVID-19 vaccination, contrary to Epoch Times article

When COVID-19 vaccines were first tested, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had asked that manufacturers demonstrate first and foremost their vaccine’s ability to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19. The Pfizer-BioNTech 2020 clinical trial showed a 95% efficacy in reducing that risk. Furthermore, real-world analysis performed after the worldwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign showed that all-cause mortality was lower among vaccinated individuals.