Until the pandemic, conspiracy theorists and alien abductors hovered on the fringes of society. But Covid, lockdown isolation and social media swept them into the mainstream. As soon as the vaccine is available, they are ponced. Various anti-vaxx conspiracy theories emerged.
While these theories are not based on scientific evidence, they have gained traction among some groups and individuals, leading to vaccine skepticism and reduced vaccination use.
Also read: 365 days of Covid-19: SA’s economy is sicker than ever
As a result of rumors by anti-vaxxers, who are still active, they increased the death rate among the unjabbed and a higher rate of transmission that could have been dampened earlier.
The covid vaccine theory
Some of the most common conspiracy theories about the Covid vaccine include, oddly enough, microchip tracking. The theory says that the Covid vaccine contains a microchip that is used for tracking or surveillance purposes by the government or other entities.
Vaccine skepticism and antivaxx behavior often see militants attack medical centers and protest loudly online. Until the end, no one can figure it out.
Also read: In the long shadow of Covid
Population control theories suggest jabs are part of a global effort to control or reduce populations while others claim mRNA technology-based vaccines can alter human DNA.
mRNA vaccines work by instructing cells to produce harmless pieces of the virus, which trigger an immune response. They do not interact with or alter a person’s DNA.
Then there are vaccine-induced illnesses like long-term flu, autoimmune disease, heart disease or even death. These claims are not supported by scientific evidence.
Also read: Car rental boss charged with defrauding R2.8m from Covid-19 TERS
While the vaccine causes mild to moderate side effects, such as fever, fatigue, or pain at the injection site, these are usually short-lived and less severe than the potential consequences of Covid infection.
Another theory suggests that the Covid vaccine causes infertility or negatively affects pregnancy. While no conspiracy theory can be proven, the efficacy of the vaccine is – over and over again.