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A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center

Flawed Paper on COVID-19 Vaccines, Deaths Spreads Widely Before Retraction

Flawed Paper on COVID-19 Vaccines, Deaths Spreads Widely Before Retraction

The COVID-19 vaccines have been shown in trials and real-world application to be safe and effective. But a paper shared widely online claimed that vaccines cause two deaths for every three lives saved. Experts say the analysis misinterpreted data and was flawed — and it has now been retracted by the journal that published it.

No New Revelation on Hydroxychloroquine and COVID-19

No New Revelation on Hydroxychloroquine and COVID-19

Randomized controlled trials — the highest standard of evidence — have found that hydroxychloroquine isn’t beneficial in treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Yet social media posts are claiming the drug works, and conservative outlets have touted an unpublished, and much-criticized, observational study as evidence of the drug’s effectiveness.

Unsubstantiated Claims Follow Deaths of British and Indian Airline Pilots

Unsubstantiated Claims Follow Deaths of British and Indian Airline Pilots

Following the deaths of four British Airways pilots and five Air India pilots, social media posts claimed without proof that the pilots died as a result of receiving COVID-19 vaccines. Air India said its pilots died from COVID-19. British Airways said “there is no truth whatsoever in the claims on social media speculating that the four deaths are linked.”

Misinformation About WHO’s COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance for Children

Misinformation About WHO’s COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance for Children

A World Health Organization advisory group has concluded that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine “is suitable for use by people aged 12 years and above,” and is specifically recommending it for children ages 12 to 15 who are at high risk of severe COVID-19. The WHO did not say “stop giving kids the vaxx immediately,” as some have claimed online.

The Facts – and Gaps – on the Origin of the Coronavirus

The Facts – and Gaps – on the Origin of the Coronavirus

Despite increased media attention to the possibility that the novel coronavirus may have escaped from a lab, no credible evidence has emerged to support it and most scientists think the virus likely has a natural origin.

Rudy Giuliani’s Bogus Election Fraud Claims

Rudy Giuliani’s Bogus Election Fraud Claims

A New York court suspended Rudy Giuliani’s license to practice law in that state for making “demonstrably false and misleading statements” about the 2020 presidential election results. We recap some of the bogus claims that we have previously debunked.

Republican Spin on Democrats’ Voting Bill

Republican Spin on Democrats’ Voting Bill

In the days leading up to the Senate vote on the House-passed elections bill, Republicans offered several misleading talking points about the Democratic bill, and made other statements that required more context.

Airlines Are Encouraging, Not Banning, Vaccinated Passengers

Airlines Are Encouraging, Not Banning, Vaccinated Passengers

Airlines are encouraging people who have received a COVID-19 vaccine to fly once again. Yet social media posts falsely claim that airline executives around the world are discussing banning vaccinated passengers due to a risk of blood clotting at high altitudes. Experts say there is no evidence of an added risk of blood clots for vaccinated air travelers.