Tackling misinformation

Misinformation, myths, and conspiracy theories present a clear and present danger to public health and in ending the coronavirus pandemic. Knowing what to share is vital.

Use the SHARE checklist

Before you like, comment or share content online, use the SHARE checklist to make sure you’re not
contributing to the spread of harmful content.

1) SOURCE
Rely on official sources for medical and safety information. Check the facts about vaccinations and coronavirus on the NHS website and GOV.UK.

2) HEADLINE
Headlines don’t always tell the full story. Always read to the end before you share articles about coronavirus, including those about vaccines.

3) ANALYSE
Analyse the facts. If something sounds unbelievable, it very well might be. Independent fact-checking services are correcting false information about coronavirus and vaccines every day.

4) RETOUCHED
Watch out for misleading pictures and videos in stories about coronavirus vaccines. They might be edited, or show an unrelated place or event. Check to see who else is using the photo.

5) ERROR
Look out for mistakes. Typos and other errors might mean the information is false. Official guidance about coronavirus will always have been carefully checked.

Find out more

Vaccine

Having an effective COVID-19 vaccine is the best way for people to protect themselves from the virus, saving tens of thousands of lives. While people understandably have questions about vaccine development, there have been a number of viral social media posts that make false claims about potentially life saving vaccines. False information has been shared about the ingredients or processes used to make vaccines, including absurd claims that vaccines contain 5G microchips. These claims have all been independently debunked. If you see information about vaccines, always check our or the NHS website for the facts.

COVID vaccine

False medical advice

A viral social media post circulated claimed that a Stanford University study found that you can check you don’t have coronavirus if you hold your breath for 10 seconds. Stanford University had to tweet to correct this false information. This advice is based on false assertions that medical sources have disproven. Always check the NHS website for the facts.

NHS coronavirus page

Technology scares

False information spread on social media has caused some people to believe that 5G technology causes coronavirus. This false information led people to burn down cell towers providing communications to vulnerable people. There is no scientific evidence to back up this claim, which has been robustly debunked. Always check the credentials of people spreading conspiracy theories.

Fake contacts

Social media posts are circulating with information claiming to come from distant contacts. One such social media contained 'medical advice' that came from a “friends uncle, with a masters degree, who works in a Hospital”. However, the source is not named, and the post contains speculation, false facts, and misleading information. Always make sure you know that the source of your information is reputable.

COVID Vaccine resources

We've put together a useful range of social media resources to promote the new coronavirus vaccine.