Rumor vs Reality

Alabama Public Health Officials investigated the false rumor that a 42-year-old nurse died after getting the vaccine. They found there were no deaths of any vaccine recipient in Alabama.

This sort of rumor is a kind of classic “my friend’s aunt knew a guy who knew a guy” situation. 

The story sounds scary – and there’s enough detail to make it seem true. We’ve all been fooled by this sort of thing. Especially when we see it in multiple places. 

If there’s no official source – doubt the story.

The CDC has also confirmed that no deaths at all have occurred because of the vaccine, in Alabama or elsewhere. Serious side effects are rare, and comparable to those seen with any other vaccine, like the flu and measles.