UW School of Medicine and Public Health expert debunks vaccine misinformation and myths

As COVID-19 vaccination continue throughout the state, misinformation about the vaccine is being spread, sometimes intentionally, to undermine efforts:

• Will the vaccine alter my DNA?
• The vaccine contains a microchip for tracking.
• You can get a COVID-19 infection from a vaccine.
• The vaccine causes infertility in women.

These are just a few of the recent trending myths on social media, and there are many more.

Ajay Sethi, associate professor, population health sciences, and faculty director, Master of Public Health Program, focuses his educational mission on addressing public health misinformation, and has been tracking vaccine myths.

“Unfortunately, the internet is filled with misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccines that originated from dubious sources before finding its way into someone’s network of friends and family,” Sethi said. “If not careful, it can become very easy for unsuspecting people to fall victim to these myths.”

Sethi is available for interviews today. A recorded interview is also available.