Debunking COVID-19 vaccine myths
LI doctors dispel 3 points of vaccine misinformation
A COVID-19 booster is dispensed in the Mount Sinai South Nassau Vaxmobile at the Wantagh Fire Department on Wednesday. Credit: Howard Schnapp
Medical experts say social media is amplifying vaccine misconceptions, which is hurting the effort to get more people vaccinated so life can get back to normal.
"There is an enormous amount of misinformation out there on the vaccine that has sowed a lot of worry and fear and concern among people," said Dr. Bruce Farber, chief of public health and epidemiology for Northwell Health. "Misinformation has been a big problem with COVID in general."
Dr. Alan M. Bulbin, director of infectious disease at Catholic Health St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center in Flower Hill, says communication from top authorities has not always been clear or consistent, adding to the misinformation problem.
"It’s a little of both: Misinformation and maybe a message that could be more definitive and more clear," he said.
Newsday’s Bart Jones takes a look at three major myths — how the vaccines work, their impact on fertility and potential harm — and dives into the facts about them, according to three top medical experts on Long Island who specialize in infectious disease. Read what they had to say.
Plus, if you're looking for vaccine resources: Take a look at this updated booster shot guide.
This map shows the concentration of new cases reported in Nassau and Suffolk counties as of Tuesday.
Search that map, and view charts that show the latest local trends in vaccinations, testing, hospitalizations, deaths and more.
See more coronavirus headlines below.
Erin Serpico is an assistant web producer who joined Newsday in November 2018. Originally from New Jersey, she now covers community events and produces local content for newsday.com while also helping run the homepage.
