Fact Check: COVID vaccines do not work

Fact Check: "COVID vaccines do not work"

What We Know

The claim that "COVID vaccines do not work" is contradicted by substantial evidence from various studies. For instance, a recent report from the CDC indicates that the effectiveness (VE) of the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine was approximately 33% against COVID-19-associated emergency department (ED) or urgent care (UC) visits among adults aged 18 years and older, and 45%–46% against hospitalizations among immunocompetent adults aged 65 years and older (CDC). Furthermore, the vaccine was shown to provide a 40% effectiveness against hospitalizations in immunocompromised adults aged 65 years and older (CDC).

In another study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic, the 2023-2024 formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated an estimated effectiveness of 42% before the JN.1 lineage became dominant, and although the effectiveness dropped to 19% after, it still indicated some level of protection (Cleveland Clinic).

Additionally, a report from CIDRAP noted that vaccine efficacy against severe illness was just under 50% for the XBB.1.5 vaccine approved in fall 2023 (CIDRAP).

Analysis

The evidence presented in the studies indicates that COVID-19 vaccines do provide a measurable level of effectiveness against both infection and severe outcomes, such as hospitalization. The CDC's findings are based on a large-scale analysis involving multiple health networks, which lends credibility to their conclusions. The study's methodology, which included a test-negative design, is a recognized approach for estimating vaccine effectiveness (CDC).

The Cleveland Clinic study, while showing a decrease in effectiveness over time, still confirms that vaccinated individuals had a significantly lower risk of contracting COVID-19 compared to unvaccinated individuals (Cleveland Clinic). This suggests that while the vaccines may not provide complete immunity, they do reduce the likelihood of severe illness and hospitalization.

In contrast, claims that vaccines do not work often stem from misinterpretations of data or anecdotal evidence rather than robust scientific analysis. It is essential to rely on peer-reviewed studies and data from reputable health organizations when evaluating vaccine effectiveness.

Conclusion

The claim that "COVID vaccines do not work" is False. Multiple studies demonstrate that COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and emergency department visits. While effectiveness may vary over time and against different variants, the vaccines continue to provide important protection against COVID-19.

Sources

1. Interim Estimates of 2024–2025 COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Among Adults Aged ≥18 Years — VISION and IVY Networks, September 2024–January 2025
2. Effectiveness of the 2023-2024 Formulation of the COVID-19 Vaccine
3. COVID vaccine efficacy against severe illness just under 50%
4. World Health Organization - Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
5. World Health Organization - Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Fact Sheet
6. World Health Organization - Questions and Answers on COVID-19