The Controversy between Pro-VAX and Anti-VAX

Worldwide, there has been uncertainty regarding covid-vaccines as some stand against it, while others are in full support of it. Due to many different media outlets spreading new ideas about COVID everyday, it has caused confusion, biased opinions, and a lack of trust among the general population

One main source for collecting COVID data, known as VAERS, has been used by many activists to spread misinformation. VAERS is used to detect events or side-effects that may be related to the vaccine. And many of the side effects reported are coincidental, rather than directly caused by the shot. But activists use that information for reasoning as to why the vaccine may be harmful.

“VAERS has played a major role in the spread of misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines. The data is regularly appropriated by anti-vaccine advocates, who use the reports to claim falsely that COVID-19 vaccines are dangerous.” said Geoff Brumfell, a spokesman from WHYY

At one point massive lawsuits were filed against doctors and pharmaceutical companies, as it was believed they were hiding things. This led to a vaccine shortage and pharmacists not wanting to provide vaccines anymore. One vaccine in particular, used to prevent diphtheria(a disease caused by strains of bacteria that made toxins) resulted in many conspiracy theories, and a distrust within the community. It was said that the vaccine caused intellectual and physical disabilities.

“There were conspiracy theories, there were concerns that people were hiding things, and we didn’t want to hide anything” said Geoff.

Eventually congress stepped in with a law to protect manufacturers, which is why VAERS was created. VAERS was different from any other government database, as anyone could have full access to the data. If someone experienced a side effect from a vaccine, they were able to report it. The goal was to make it as open as possible to the public, but this also led to misinformation being put into the database.

“The most commonly cited among anti-vaccine groups is death following vaccination, without noting the reports have not been investigated or verified” explained Geoff

Despite VAERS being used in a manner that spreads misinformation, many believe it should still remain open to the public, as it can provide valuable information.

"While VAERS has limitations, keeping the system open to all reporters and users is essential for VAERS to serve its early detection function," the agency says

The hope is for VAERS to build better trust within the community, and provide answers for those who are uncertain about getting the vaccine.

“This is what we have to live with. Even though some anti-vaccine advocates will distort the data, he says he thinks it's better to have it out there”