Common anti-vax and Covid-19 conspiracies on the Gold Coast debunked

Some truly wild and bizarre theories have emerged online about Covid-19 and vaccines. The Bulletin has exposed the biggest myths and how experts have debunked them.

Since the pandemic began, many wild theories have emerged online about Covid-19 and its associated vaccines.

They range from the downright bizarre, to rumours sparked by people’s natural fear of the unknown.

Here are the biggest anti-vaxxer conspiracy theories that have been debunked by experts:

Theory 1: Covid-19 vaccines make people produce a spike protein that is toxic to humans

Verdict: False

A spike protein is the basis of Covid-19 vaccines, which were created to generate an immune response against it.

The false claim was initially made by immunologist Byram Bridle during an interview and was repeated online.

According to Reuters, experts say spike protein does not cause toxicity, but rather, shows the vaccine is working.

An anti-vax protest outside Parliament House in Brisbane. Picture: Tara Croser.

Theory 2: Covid-19 vaccines cause infertility

Verdict: False

This claim started doing the rounds on social media.

It received more attention after US rapper Nicki Minaj made a comment on Twitter that her cousin had not received the vaccine because of fears that it would make him impotent.

The federal government dispelled the myth, saying the Therapeutic Goods Administration would not approve a vaccine for use in Australia unless it was safe and effective.

“None of the Covid-19 vaccines currently approved, or under review by the TGA cause sterilisation/infertility,” it said.

Theory 3: Covid-19 vaccines can cause complications for pregnant women

Verdict: False

The federal government says research shows the Pfizer vaccine is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women at any stage.

It says vaccines protect against the higher risk of hospitalisation and premature birth associated with pregnant women who catch Covid-19.

The Australian government says Pfizer vaccines are safe for pregnant women

Theory 4: The Pfizer vaccine is not safe for children aged five to 11

Verdict: False

Amid some caution from parents, in December the TGA provisionally approved the Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine as safe and effective for use among children aged five to 11.

The TGA is expected to provide advice on how to incorporate this jab into Australia’s Covid-19 vaccination program in the coming weeks.

Vials of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccination. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

Theory 5: Covid-19 vaccines contain a microchip

Verdict: False

The federal government has shot down a wild claim that Covid-19 vaccines inject microchips or other tracking devices inside people.

The myth began circulating online with people holding magnets up against the site of their injection, claiming this was proof of a microchip.

The government said none of the Covid-19 vaccines contained software or microchips.

Residents are seen receiving their first dosage of Pfizer. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

Theory 6: Covid-19 vaccines were rushed through the approvals process or given ‘emergency use’ permissions

Verdict: False

The myth emerged due to the urgency of a global pandemic which prioritised the Covid-19 vaccine.

This meant countries delivered vaccines faster than they had ever done before.

The federal government said the process of delivering Covid-19 vaccines had not been “rushed” and TGA does not have an “Emergency Use Authorisation” pathway for these vaccines.

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