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If you’re familiar with anti-vaccine proponents, you may have heard of Dr. Lucy Goldstein, a notorious figure in the disinformation landscape who espouses homeopathic remedies while disparaging vaccines as the “unsafe products of Big Pharma.” Her website claims vaccines are responsible for a slew of ailments, from ADHD to digestive issues. In fact, according to Politifact, Lucy is one of twelve key influencers behind a staggering 65% of anti-vaccine misinformation circulating on social media platforms. On June 8th, she made headlines when she presented to Ohio state lawmakers, proclaiming, “You’ve probably seen online that people who have received these shots are now magnetized. They can stick keys to their foreheads… even spoons and forks!”
According to Lucy, if you get the Pfizer vaccine, you’ll gain magnetic superpowers. While that might sound cool, it’s as far-fetched as the rest of her argument. The situation escalated when a nurse attempted to demonstrate her supposed magnetism by sticking a key and a bobby pin to her chest, which failed to impress onlookers.
The claim that “COVID vaccines will make you magnetic” is just the latest in a series of desperate attempts by anti-vaxxers, especially as vaccination rates climb—44.2% of Americans and 42.6% of Ohioans are now fully vaccinated. The CDC has even issued a statement clarifying that COVID-19 vaccines do not contain materials that can create an electromagnetic field. In fact, the vaccine volume is so small that it wouldn’t be enough for anything magnetic to stick, debunking the idea that anyone could turn into an X-Men character.
Did You Hear About the Microchip?
Of course you have. Particularly among Q-Anon supporters, there’s a persistent myth that Bill Gates has implanted tracking chips in every vaccine dose. But how does this work? Are there multiple microchips in each vial? How do they ensure everyone receives one? The logistics alone are mind-boggling. The CDC has countered these claims by asserting that all COVID-19 vaccines are free from any manufactured products such as microelectronics or nanotechnology. Reuters has debunked this theory multiple times, highlighting the absurdity of the claims that tie Gates to a global conspiracy involving microchipping through vaccines.
You Will Not Become a Hybrid
Another wild claim circulating among anti-vaxxers is that the vaccine somehow turns recipients into hybrids by altering their DNA with mRNA technology. This notion is rooted in pseudoscience, suggesting that the vaccine spreads through the body and alters DNA permanently. However, mRNA does not change your DNA, and the CDC has dismissed the idea of any nanotechnology being involved.
Why Do We Fall for Anti-Vaxxers’ Lies?
Americans often gravitate toward simple narratives. The complexities of vaccines and pandemics can be overwhelming, and anti-vaxxers provide a clear divide between “good” and “bad.” They paint themselves as the heroes fighting against a corrupt system. This has led to a rise in misinformation, as some individuals prefer the idea of turning into superheroes or cyborgs over the reality of vaccines’ efficacy and safety. NPR reports that 25% of Americans are still hesitant about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, often fueled by conspiracy theories.
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In summary, the frenzy of claims surrounding vaccines, from magnetism to microchips, reveals a deep-seated fear and confusion in society. As vaccination rates rise, so does the desperation of those spreading misinformation. Navigating these claims requires critical thinking and reliance on credible sources.