When it comes to misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccines, health advocates have heard it all.
“Every single week, it’s a new myth,” Hernan Hernandez, executive director of the Central Valley-based California Farmworker Foundation, said [recently].
Even with the COVID-19 vaccine campaign now nearly 10 months old, officials and immunization advocates throughout the state say persistent misconceptions and disinformation are hobbling efforts to promote the shots in certain parts of California, including among some Latino communities.
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In general, while about half of farmworkers surveyed by the farmworker foundation want the vaccine, about 35% have expressed ironclad opposition, and 15% are undecided, Hernandez said. Myths that they cite include those that falsely claim the vaccines harm fertility, contain tracking chips that will allow the government to control them, or can cause paralysis, cancer or death.
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Hernandez said surveys with farmworkers suggest that they would be more likely to get the vaccine if their employer mandated they get the vaccine, if their children are required to get the shot to continue attending school, and if vaccinations were a requirement to travel, such as to visit family in another country.
