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** FactCheck.org's Weekly Update
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May 15, 2021
** SciCheck
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Magnet Videos Refuel Bogus Claim of Vaccine Microchips ([link removed]) Posted on Friday, May 14th, 2021
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The ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the U.S. are publicly available. Yet a false claim that the vaccines contain microchips is receiving renewed attention through a spate of videos of people claiming that magnets stick to their arms after vaccination. Experts say none of the ingredients would cause this supposed effect.
Tucker Carlson Misrepresents Vaccine Safety Reporting Data ([link removed]) Posted on Friday, May 14th, 2021
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The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System accepts any reports of adverse side effects following vaccination to help regulators detect potential problems. Anyone can submit a report, whether or not the incident is vaccine-related. Fox News host Tucker Carlson misrepresented the VAERS data to suggest that thousands have died from COVID-19 vaccines.
So Far, Vaccines Remain Effective Against Variants ([link removed]) Posted on Thursday, May 13th, 2021
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So far, COVID-19 vaccines have been effective against variants of the coronavirus. Scientists are monitoring the situation carefully, with updated or new vaccines a possibility in the future, if need be.
Post Misleads on Japan’s Policy for Donating Blood After COVID-19 Vaccination ([link removed]) Posted on Wednesday, May 12th, 2021
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Japan only recently adopted guidelines for accepting blood donations from those who have received COVID-19 vaccines. The guidelines are intended to give donors time to get over any side effects from the vaccine. Without providing that context, a social media post misleadingly claims Japan is “refusing” blood donations from vaccinated people.
No Scientific Basis for Vaccine ‘Shedding’ Claims ([link removed]) Posted on Tuesday, May 11th, 2021
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COVID-19 vaccines do not contain a live virus, so there isn’t a biological path for a vaccinated person to “shed” the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to those around them. Nor is there any evidence the vaccines cause reproductive problems. That means there’s no basis for social media claims that “shedding” causes reproductive issues in unvaccinated people.
** FactCheck Posts
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Both Sides Spinning Jobs Report ([link removed]) Posted on Tuesday, May 11th, 2021
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The recently released jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics provided an opportunity for Democrats and Republicans alike to spin the facts in their favor.
** Debunking False Stories
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Myth of Ballot Watermarks Flushed Out Again ([link removed]) Posted on Wednesday, May 12th, 2021
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An audit of ballots and a forensic audit of voting equipment earlier this year found no problems in the 2020 elections in Maricopa County, Arizona. But debunked claims about voter fraud revealed by secret “watermarks” are flowing again on social media amid a Republican-led audit. County officials say no watermarks were used on the ballots.
** Ask SciCheck
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Exploring the Legality of COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates ([link removed]) Posted on Monday, May 10th, 2021
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Q: Can employers, colleges and universities require COVID-19 vaccinations?
A: Generally, they may require immunizations. But there is some uncertainty about the legality of mandating vaccines authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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