Viral Pfizer's Vape-Formed Vaccine On Social Media Is Hoax

Photo illustration (CDC / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - A photo circulating on social media that claims the new COVID-19 vaccine packaging is produced by Pfizer. The photo circulating on social media shows that the vaccine made by Pfizer is in the form of an e-cigarette or vape.

The beginning of the discussion of this vape vaccine came from uploading Austin Sidney Palmer's Facebook account. This post, which was uploaded on December 11, 2020, has received 9 comments and has been shared 13 times by other Facebook users.

In Austin's post, there is a vape still wrapped in a Pfizer-like logo and packaging. On the packaging also has the words Coronavirus Vaccine COVID-19 and Vaporizer Cartridge.

In fact, under the package there is also the words single dose and made in China. He also added that the narrative in the post 'seems legit' or in Indonesian 'seems authentic'.

Is it true that Pfizer produces the COVID-19 vaccine in the form of vape or electronic cigarette? Here's a fact check.

Reporting by Reuters Fact Check, Pfizer via email also confirmed that the COVID-19 vaccine in the form of a vape is a fake. In addition, Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine is given by injection in the upper arm.

This vaccine is given in two doses 21 days apart. Regarding the origin of manufacture, on its website Pfizer explains that they produce the COVID-19 vaccine in three countries, namely in the US, Germany and Belgium.

Thus, Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine in the form of vape or e-cigarette is not true. Because, in the photo upload, a small tube resembles the contents of a vape packaged in plastic with the label "Coronavirus Vaccine" and the Pfizer logo.

Another explanation that seems convincing that the product is an e-cigarette tube is the words "vaporizer cartridge". However, on the underside of the package, there is the words "Made in China". Even though Pfiizer is a pharmaceutical company from the United States.

This information is categorized as a misleading content type of hoax. Misleading occurs as a result of content being formed with twisted nuances to demonize a person or group. This type of content is made on purpose and is expected to be able to lead opinions according to the wishes of the information maker.

Misleading content is formed by utilizing original information, such as images, official statements, or statistics, but edited in such a way that it has no relation to the original context.