CLAIM: Vaccines developed for COVID-19 contain a cancer-causing virus DNA found in monkeys.
AP’S ASSESSMENT: False. Public health officials and the lead researcher of a study cited in many of the social media posts say there’s no monkey virus DNA in the inoculations approved by government regulators. Some COVID-19 vaccines utilize DNA molecules derived from Simian Virus 40, but that’s not the same as the virus itself and the molecules aren’t cancer-causing.
THE FACTS: Social media users are claiming a dangerous ingredient has been discovered in coronavirus vaccines: cancer-causing “monkey virus” DNA.
“Green Monkey DNA confirmed present in COVID jabs,” read one tweet that was retweeted more than 2,500 times.
The post shared an article reporting on the claims with the headline: “Monkey Virus DNA Found in COVID-19 Shots.”
“Found: Cancer-Promoting Simian Virus 40 (SV40) in Pfizer Vials,” read another headline shared in a screenshot on Instagram.
But there’s no evidence to support the claim that the COVID-19 vaccines contain monkey DNA nor the virus known as SV40, according to public health officials and the lead researcher of a recent study cited in some of the social media posts.
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