Fact Check: Vaccine misinformation: CDC's presentation includes a study that never existed!
What We Know
Recent claims circulating on social media allege that a presentation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) included references to a study that does not exist. These claims suggest that the CDC's data misrepresents the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, particularly in relation to severe side effects and mortality rates among teenagers. According to the Associated Press, the CDC presentation indeed discussed vaccine effectiveness but did not claim that vaccines prevent deaths among teenagers, as they are statistically less likely to die from COVID-19. Instead, the data highlighted that vaccines are effective in preventing serious symptoms requiring hospitalization.
Moreover, the term "severe side effects" has been misinterpreted. The CDC data refers to common adverse reactions such as pain and swelling at the injection site, rather than serious health complications. This misrepresentation has contributed to the spread of misinformation regarding vaccine safety (Vaccine Safety: Myths and Misinformation).
Analysis
The claim that the CDC presentation included a non-existent study lacks credible evidence. The Associated Press and other reputable sources have clarified that the CDC's data is based on sound epidemiological research. The assertion that a study was cited which does not exist appears to stem from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of the data presented.
The reliability of the sources that propagated the claim is questionable. Many of these sources have a history of disseminating misinformation regarding vaccines. In contrast, the CDC and the studies it references are grounded in extensive research and peer-reviewed findings. For instance, the Vaccine Safety: Myths and Misinformation article discusses the robust body of scientific evidence that refutes common vaccine safety concerns, emphasizing the importance of accurate information in combating vaccine hesitancy.
Furthermore, the claims about severe side effects seem to stem from a misinterpretation of the CDC's terminology. The term "reactogenicity" refers to the expected mild reactions to vaccines, which are common and not indicative of serious health risks (Vaccine Safety: Myths and Misinformation).
Conclusion
The claim that the CDC's presentation included a study that never existed is False. The CDC's data is based on legitimate research and accurately reflects the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing severe illness, even among populations that are statistically less likely to experience severe outcomes from COVID-19. The misinterpretation of the data and the terminology used has led to the spread of misinformation, which undermines public trust in vaccines.
