Minneapolis photojournalist who claims to have been injured by a COVID-19 vaccine garners support online

An article on a conspiracy news website recently shared the story of a Minneapolis photojournalist who claims to be experiencing weakness, headaches, and brain fog due to an alleged COVID-19 vaccine injury. The story was published on another conspiracy news website and shared on multiple social media platforms. Comments on the original article promote a number of false claims about COVID-19 vaccines, with some users calling the vaccines “bioweapons” and “a depopulation control shot.”

Recommendation: Vaccine opponents often cite cases of alleged vaccine injuries to promote distrust in vaccination. Continuing to reiterate that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and that there is no evidence of widespread vaccine injuries is recommended. If responding directly to conspiracy theories that COVID-19 vaccines have been engineered to cause harm, messaging may emphasize that COVID-19 vaccines are not bioweapons and are not part of a “depopulation plan.” The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, long COVID, and death.