Coronavirus vaccine conspiracy theories are rising online - and now spilling into local and parent Facebook groups, especially in London.

The Deputy Chief Medical Officer has urged people to use “trusted sources” for info on vaccines.

I spoke to @AliceBhand on @BBCLondonNews

In recent days, posters advertising protests planned in the capital over the weekend promoting vaccine conspiracy theories as well as opposing lockdowns and masks have been shared in London Facebook groups.

Other popular posts being shared suggest vaccines are a way of microchipping the public, a tool for for mass genocide and part of a nefarious plot orchestrated by Bill Gates.

There is zero evidence to support any of these claims.

The real worry here is that it’s not just hard-core conspiracy theorists or anti-vaxxers taken in by false claims.

I have spoken to parents in Facebook groups who have never opposed vaccines before but are now reluctant to have a coronavirus one because of conspiracy theories.

These conspiracy theories undermine legitimate concerns that a vaccine is safe and approved.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam reassured “the public that any potential coronavirus vaccine will have gone through extensive clinical trials.”

That’s after public health experts warning these vaccine conspiracy theories pose a big risk to all of us, as they could sow seeds of doubt in the minds of enough people to render an effective vaccine useless.

How can you stop the spread of vaccine conspiracy theories?

Interrogate the so RCR of information.
Think about how the information makes you feel. Urgent calls for often designed to ramp up anxiety.
Talk to friends or relatives taken in by vaccine misinformation.

If you’ve come across vaccine conspiracy theories in your WhatsApp or Facebook groups - or know someone who’s been taken in by them - get in touch! [email protected]