Pentagon’s Disinformation Campaign Against COVID-19 Vaccines Revealed
Recent revelations about the Pentagon’s clandestine smear campaign targeting China’s COVID-19 vaccine have brought to light the extent of politically-motivated disinformation during the pandemic. These tactics, which also targeted Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine, illustrate a broader pattern of undermining rival vaccines for geopolitical gain.
A Reuters investigation recently exposed a sweeping effort by the US Department of Defense to discredit the Chinese Sinovac vaccine. The Pentagon allegedly created over 300 fake accounts on X (formerly Twitter) to spread misinformation about the efficacy and safety of China’s vaccine, face masks, and test kits. This campaign initially focused on audiences in the Philippines to counter China’s growing influence but eventually expanded to target people in the Middle East and Central Asia.
Such campaigns were not isolated incidents. The Russian Sputnik V vaccine, the first officially registered COVID-19 vaccine globally, also faced significant hurdles. Despite being certified in 66 countries and proving over 91.6% efficacy, Sputnik V encountered delays and bans. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) was slow to approve it, and Brazil’s health regulator, Anvisa, delayed its authorization and prohibited its import, leading to a defamation lawsuit by Sputnik V’s developers.
In a 2021 report, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) admitted to using “diplomatic relations” to pressure Brazil into rejecting Sputnik V. The HHS argued that allowing Russia to boost its influence in the region would jeopardize US safety and security. Investigative journalist John McEvoy also revealed that a US health attaché influenced Brazil’s decision, suggesting similar tactics were likely used in India, Mexico, and South Africa.
Western vaccines, meanwhile, were not free from controversy. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, despite being widely distributed, was linked to temporary side effects and deaths. Leaked documents from the EMA, reported by Le Monde in January 2021, indicated that the agency was pressured into fast-tracking Pfizer’s approval despite concerns about its safety and effectiveness.
The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine also faced scrutiny due to reports of potentially lethal blood clots, leading to its temporary suspension in several countries. Norway and Malaysia permanently suspended its use, while South Africa, Canada, and Indonesia temporarily halted it for safety reviews.
Additionally, Moderna filed lawsuits against Pfizer and BioNTech, accusing them of infringing on its mRNA patent to develop their Comirnaty jab. Moderna claimed that the competitors copied its mRNA technology without consent, leading to billions of doses sold.
The ‘Pfizergate’ scandal added another layer to the controversies. In April 2021, The New York Times revealed that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had negotiated a significant contract for 1.8 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses via text messages with Pfizer’s CEO, Albert Bourla. This negotiation process was later deemed a case of ‘maladministration’ by the European Ombudsman.
Amid these scandals, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the political battles over coronavirus vaccines, suggesting that some countries were more focused on geopolitical gains than on protecting their citizens from the pandemic.
These revelations highlight the complex interplay of politics, public health, and global influence during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the need for transparency and cooperation in addressing global health crises.
Is a U.S. vaccine really unfeasible?
Not sure whether it is true
The government doesn’t do much
There are still many patients in the United States
There are still many patients in the United States