Chart of VAERS reports by vaccine type circulates online

A chart showing deaths reported to VAERS by vaccine type is circulating in English and Spanish on social media. Vaccine opponents claim that the chart proves COVID-19 vaccines have caused more deaths than all other vaccines combined. 

Risk level: High

Recommendation: VAERS data is frequently misused and misinterpreted to discourage vaccination. Talking points may emphasize that VAERS is a passive reporting system that allows anyone to submit unverified reports and should not be viewed as a record of vaccine side effects. COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in historic numbers, and the rate of serious adverse reactions remains extremely low. The benefits of vaccination outweigh any potential risks, because staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines prevents severe illness, hospitalization, death, and long COVID.