Chinese vaccine maker Sinovac Biotech said on Sunday that stigmatizing vaccines could contribute to vaccine hesitancy, undermine trust in science, and hamper the rollout of public health measures in response to a recent media report revealing a targeted campaign led by the US military to discredit Chinese-made inoculations.
In a written statement sent to China Daily, Sinovac Biotech expressed concern over misinformation and rumors circulating online during the COVID-19 pandemic, suspecting organized and intentional campaigns aimed at attacking the company.
On June 14, Reuters released a report stating that the US military launched a secret program during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, using social media platforms to smear the efficacy and safety of vaccines made by Sinovac Biotech, among other medical supplies from China.
The company emphasized that online misinformation about vaccines has not only affected its reputation but also undermined public trust in vaccines.
“Doubts over vaccines and other negative rumors could trigger panic, disrupt stability, and bring pressure to families and individuals,” the company said.
Sinovac Biotech warned that long-term stigmatization of vaccines could impair the public’s trust in science, public health institutions, and governments, and affect the implementation of public health policies.
The company highlighted that it has released abundant data on clinical trial results of its COVID-19 vaccines and the outcomes of their use in the real world. More than 600 studies carried out globally have proved their safety and efficacy.
“While the COVID-19 pandemic has been contained and Sinovac has made its contributions, the world is still not at peace,” the company stated. “We will continue to focus on controlling diseases to safeguard the health of humanity in the future.”