Doctor’s testimony falsely claims COVID-19 vaccines are unsafe and ineffective at preventing COVID-19-related deaths

Several viral social media posts are sharing statements from a World Health Organization official who testified that COVID-19 vaccines are unsafe and ineffective at preventing COVID-19-related deaths and that Finland’s former COVID-19 vaccine passport requirements were unethical and unnecessary because COVID-19 vaccines do not prevent COVID-19 transmission. The testimony referenced in these posts occurred at a hearing for a Finnish citizen who claims he was denied access to a café because he did not have a vaccine passport. 

Recommendation: These types of claims may undermine the public’s perception of COVID-19 vaccine safety and effectiveness, especially when the claims are coming from a public health official. Talking points may emphasize that COVID-19 vaccines have been rigorously tested and have been determined to be safe, and research shows that COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing COVID-19-related deaths. A 2023 analysis that found that higher COVID-19 vaccination coverage was associated with lower all-cause mortality rates across 178 countries. In the months after COVID-19 vaccines became available, global studies confirmed that vaccines reduced transmission against early COVID-19 variants. COVID-19 vaccines became less effective against transmission over time as SARS-CoV-2 continues to mutate, producing more infectious variants. However, COVID-19 vaccines continue to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, death, and long COVID. The CDC recommends the updated COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.