Article and social media posts promote false claims about mRNA vaccines

A recent article has made false claims about Moderna's mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, alleging that they contain billions of DNA fragments linked to serious health issues, including birth defects and cancer. The article also suggests that Pfizer’s mRNA COVID-19 vaccines contain similar contaminants. Social media users with prominent platforms are sharing the article’s false claims.

Risk level: High

Recommendation: This article and related social media posts are examples of the persistent false claims around DNA and cancer. The widespread nature of the social media posts elevates the risk. It is recommended doctors be prepared to answer questions about COVID-19 vaccine safety and be ready to provide debunking messages around mRNA vaccines and DNA. Talking points may also emphasize that there is strong evidence to support that COVID-19 vaccines do not cause cancer or increase the risk of developing cancer. The benefits of vaccination outweigh any potential risks, because staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines prevents severe illness and death.