FACT OVER FALSEHOOD: A new occasional series
The bad news: Setting the record straight on vaccine misinformation is a daunting job. The better news: Evidence-based strategies are effective in beating back bad info, and we can all help! Today we launch a new occasional series that fights back against vaccine myths using an evidence-based “truth sandwich” approach.
Thanks to our community for being faithful partners in debunking the junk!
VACCINES ARE OUR BEST BET IN THE RACE AGAINST NEW VARIANTS
Fact:
💥 COVID-19 vaccines are powerful weapons to fight all current strains of COVID-19.
Falsehood:
❌ Bad actors are peddling a dangerous myth that COVID-19 vaccines seed new viral strains. This is FALSE and is a well-worn page out of the anti-vaxx playbook. Similar falsehoods have been used to sow doubt during previous global vaccination campaigns.
More facts:
💥 In the race against variants, vaccines are our best bet. As we vaccinate as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, we stop the virus from spreading. Slowing the spread means fewer opportunities for the virus to mutate, which will help prevent the emergence of new variants.
A final Nerdy note:
Interested in learning more about fighting vaccine misinformation? Check out the “Vaccine Insights Hub” authored by the a-mazing (mis)information non-profit First Draft. It’s chock-a-block full of tips for fighting fake news, vaccine-related and beyond. It’s a Nerdy Girl go-to!
Love,
Your Nerdy Girls
References:
/* Truth sandwich
As an evidence-based approach
Previous DP posts on:
DP on How do I fight fake news?
/* First Draft
Vaccine Misinformation Insights Report: May (source for the “falsehood” debunking)
/* University of Maryland Medical System, COVID-19 Vaccines and New Virus Strains (source for the “Fact” and “More facts” information)
