Posts allege former Italian Minister of Health is under murder investigation relating to COVID-19 vaccines

Multiple social media users are claiming that the former Italian Minister of Health is under investigation for homicide due to allegations of concealing COVID-19 vaccine-related deaths. In response, some social media users are expressing concerns about COVID-19 vaccine safety.

Risk level: Medium

Recommendation: While conversations about this claim are unlikely to arise in a clinical setting, social media posts spreading this claim may provide a platform for vaccine opponents. Debunking messaging may emphasize that there is no evidence of an investigation into the Italian Minister of Health. Additional messaging may emphasize  that COVID-19 vaccines have not caused excess deaths in any age group and that severe adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine are extremely rare. The CDC continues recommending COVID-19 vaccines for everyone six months and older, because staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines reduces the risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization, death, and long COVID.