Social media post falsely suggests Bill Gates created a virus

A popular social media post shared a video clip from a news program warning of a virus in New York that is transmitted through mosquito bites. The news anchor in the clip mentions that there are no vaccines to protect against this virus, yet the post’s author falsely implies that Bill Gates created the virus in order to produce more vaccines.

Risk level: Medium

Recommendation: Social media posts falsely claiming that Bill Gates created a virus in order to produce more vaccines may discourage patients from getting routine vaccinations. While conversations about this false claim are unlikely to arise in a clinical setting, doctors in New York may face questions about routine vaccine safety and effectiveness. Messaging may emphasize that vaccines are developed in response to naturally emerging diseases and that routine vaccines prevent severe illness and death. Learn more about recommended vaccines from the CDC.