On this page
- Types of misinformation
- Social media
- How you can check the facts
- How we're addressing vaccine misinformation
- Why we recommend getting the vaccine
Types of misinformation
There are different types of vaccine misinformation that are false or claims about safety, efficacy, ingredients, side effects and purpose. Examples include:
- false claims that the COVID vaccination contains 'microchips' that can be used to track and control people
- false claims that the vaccine causes infertility
- false claims that the vaccine will alter human DNA
- false claims that the pharmaceutical industry has fabricated the results of vaccine trials or covered up harmful side effects to boost its profits
Some research shows that exposure to misinformation about vaccinations may affect the likelihood of someone getting vaccinated.
Social media
The main source of vaccine misinformation is coming from social media. Misinformation can easily spread and be amplified by social media algorithms deepening on engagement rates. This means false claims spread quickly to a large number of people.
Studies have shown that misinformation often spreads faster than factual information online.
Before sharing, you may want to consider if sharing misinformation to discredit it can spread the original misinformation further.
Social media companies have taken various steps to tackle misinformation on their platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes removing or demoting misinformation, directing users to information from official sources, and banning certain adverts.
How you can check the facts
There are a few things you can do to check if information is reliable or not:
- If this is reshared information, is there a link to the original content?
- Is the author a credible source of information on this topic?
- Does this account have an ulterior motive that may bias the information they share?
Make sure you're checking information from reliable sources, such as gov.im, other government websites, World Health Organisation and the NHS website.
World Health Organisation myth busters and facts.
Fullfact.org: an independent fact checking website.
How we're addressing vaccine misinformation
The Isle of Man Government website, Manx Care pages and printed publications give you the most up to date and accurate information about our vaccination programme. It includes links to reliable resources and who to contact if you have any questions.
If you have any questions about our vaccine programme, you can call the helpline for the most reliable information.
Why we recommend getting the vaccine
Anyone who gets COVID-19 can become seriously ill or have long-term effects (long COVID). The COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and others.
Research has shown the vaccines help:
- reduce your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19
- reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19
- protect against COVID-19 variants