After the outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, conspiracy theories surrounding COVID-19 vaccines have surged on social media platforms. One such video, posted on Instagram by user @haybags73, claims that the COVID-19 vaccines contain pieces of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The video has quickly gone viral, attracting nearly 1 million views and over 22,000 likes in less than two weeks.
The reel is divided into two segments: the first discusses how a substance may bind to the surface of the coronavirus, while the second part delves into the structure of the vaccine’s spike protein and how the body’s immune system responds by producing antibodies. These claims have gained significant attention, leading to further spreading of misinformation online.
The video claims that the spike protein stabilizer in the COVID-19 vaccine contains "HIV fragments." Spike proteins are found on the surface of viruses, like the coronavirus. They help the virus attach to and enter human cells, where it can replicate and cause illness. COVID-19 vaccines target these spike proteins to teach our immune system how to recognize and fight the virus.
He also says that the shape of the coronavirus spike protein before it enters our cells triggers the body's immune response. According to an Australian scientist, Professor Keith Chappell who worked on making the spike protein in a lab and added a protein to hold it in the right shape. The narrator claims this added protein is a small piece of HIV. The video suggests that this is complicated and shows arrows pointing to the HIV part in the spike protein.
The video ends with Dr. Richard M. Fleming, who has been convicted of fraud and is known for spreading conspiracy theories, talking about the alleged HIV parts in the COVID-19 spike protein.
What are the facts
As per the First Check's investigation the video spreads false information by combining unrelated clips. The first part is from a documentary about a failed COVID-19 vaccine, while the second part promotes a baseless theory about COVID-19 being a bioweapon.
The first segment shows Professor Keith Chappell, who worked on a COVID-19 vaccine in Australia. The vaccine was stopped after it caused false positive HIV results in tests, and it never went past the first trial.
The second part is from a talk by Dr. Richard M. Fleming, who has been discredited for spreading conspiracy theories and was banned by the FDA from doing drug research.
In conclusion, the video wrongly links two unrelated topics to falsely say that COVID-19 vaccines contain HIV. Hence, all claims suggesting that COVID-19 vaccines contain an HIV strain are false.