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| - Last Updated on May 23, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A post on X claims COVID-19 vaccine triggers an HIV infection. The video is about COVID vaccine causing HIV infection. We did the fact check and found it to be false.
The Claim
A user on X posted, “Covid-19 Vaccine Triggers An HIV Infection – Warns CDC Whistleblower”
Fact Check
How does an HIV infection spread?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) spreads primarily through specific bodily fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. The most common ways HIV is transmitted include:
- Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.
- Sharing needles or syringes with someone who has HIV.
- From mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
- Receiving contaminated blood transfusions or organ transplants (though this is very rare in countries with strict screening processes).
HIV cannot be spread through casual contact such as hugging, shaking hands, or sharing food or water.
Can a COVID-19 vaccine cause HIV infection?
No, the COVID-19 vaccine cannot cause HIV infection. COVID-19 vaccines are designed to protect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. They do not contain any components of the HIV virus and do not interact with the body in a way that would lead to an HIV infection.
What are the ingredients in COVID-19 vaccines?
COVID-19 vaccines contain various components depending on the type of vaccine. Common ingredients include:
- mRNA or viral vector or inactivated/killed virus that instructs cells to produce a harmless spike protein to stimulate an immune response.
- Lipids to protect the mRNA.
- Salts, sugars, and stabilisers to maintain the vaccine’s stability and pH balance.
None of these ingredients are related to HIV or its transmission.
How do COVID-19 vaccines work?
COVID-19 vaccines work by training the immune system to recognise and fight the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This is achieved through:
- mRNA vaccines: These use messenger RNA to instruct cells to produce the spike protein found on the surface of the virus, prompting an immune response.
- Viral vector vaccines: These use a modified version of a different virus (not the coronavirus) to deliver instructions to cells to produce the spike protein.
- Inactivated virus vaccines: These use a virus that has been killed or inactivated so it cannot cause disease. The inactivated virus stimulates an immune response by exposing the immune system to the virus in a safe form.
These mechanisms do not involve any interaction with HIV or its pathways of infection.
Is there any scientific evidence linking COVID-19 vaccine and HIV?
No, there is no scientific evidence or verified reports that link COVID-19 vaccines to HIV infection. Extensive clinical trials and ongoing monitoring by health authorities show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, with no connection to HIV.
Can people with HIV get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes, people living with HIV can and must receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Studies have shown that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for people with HIV. Also, vaccination is important as they may be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Can COVID-19 vaccines affect the immune system in a way that increases HIV risk?
No, COVID-19 vaccines enhance the immune system’s ability to fight the SARS-CoV-2 virus without affecting susceptibility to other infections, including HIV. The vaccines do not weaken the immune system; rather, they strengthen it against COVID-19.
What misinformation exists about COVID-19 vaccine and HIV?
Various misinformation and myths have circulated regarding COVID-19 vaccines, including the false claim that they can cause HIV infection. It’s important to rely on credible sources such as health authorities (CDC, WHO, ICMR) and peer-reviewed scientific studies for correct information.
Are there any connections between COVID-19 vaccine trials and HIV?
There were early studies that included participants who had both HIV and COVID-19 to understand the effects of the vaccine on these individuals. However, these studies have not shown any link between the vaccines causing HIV. The COVID-19 vaccines have been thoroughly tested for safety in diverse populations. The claim of COVID vaccine causing HIV is completely false.
Do COVID-19 vaccines impact HIV testing results?
No, COVID-19 vaccines do not interfere with HIV testing or the accuracy of HIV test results. HIV tests detect HIV antibodies or the virus itself. The components of COVID-19 vaccines do not affect these tests.
Is HIV still a major global health issue?
Yes, it is. HIV remains a significant global public health challenge, responsible for 40.4 million deaths so far, with ongoing transmission in all countries. Some nations are seeing a rise in new infections despite previous declines. By the end of 2022, around 39.0 million people were living with HIV, with two-thirds in the WHO African Region. In 2022, HIV-related causes led to 630,000 deaths, and 1.3 million people were infected with the virus.
Although there is no cure for HIV, effective prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care have made it a manageable chronic condition. Thereby enabling people with HIV to lead long and healthy lives. Global strategies from WHO, the Global Fund, and UNAIDS aim to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. This is in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.3. By 2025, the goal is for 95% of people with HIV to know their status, 95% of those to receive antiretroviral treatment (ART), and 95% of those on ART to achieve a suppressed viral load. As of now, 86% know their status, 76% are receiving ART, and 71% have suppressed viral loads.
THIP Media Take
The claim that a COVID-19 vaccine can trigger an HIV infection is false. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, do not contain HIV, and do not cause HIV. Vaccination remains imperative in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and protecting public health. Concerns about the COVID vaccine causing HIV are baseless and not supported by scientific evidence.
We have done numerous fact checks on COVID-19 vaccines: Is COVID still dangerous and killing people? Will Japan ban COVID vaccinated people from donating blood? Was COVID handling by the Government of India a huge scam?
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