Polio Pulse

Polio Pulse provides social listening insights to support GPEI’s polio interventions on disinformation, crisis communication, and strategic communication. Data is monitored from polio-endemic and outbreak countries and geographies classified by GPEI, covering 12 major languages spoken in these regions. The platform is managed by the UNICEF Digital Community Engagement (DCE) team.

High Risk

SV40 “Cancer Virus” and the Bioweapon Conspiracy

Geography
Palestine
Themes
Conspiracy theories
Safety and side effects

Analysis

In a viral clip that's resurfaced on social media US Health Secretary, can be seen suggesting that the polio vaccine killed more people than it saved. Circulating clips claiming that millions were injected with SV40, a simian virus, via polio vaccines as part of a 75year bioweapon plan. They contend that SV40 causes cancer and that a coverup exists. Historically, between 1955–1963 some vaccines were inadvertently contaminated with SV40, but extensive studies have found no link between SV40 exposure and human cancers. SV40 has not been present in vaccines for decades, and vaccine production has long since adopted different cell lines and stringent quality checks.

Recommendations

Acknowledge the historical contamination event and note that it led to improved manufacturing oversight. Emphasize that current polio vaccines are SV40free and that large epidemiological studies show no evidence of SV40related. Remind audiences that the benefits of polio vaccination far outweigh the risks and that the eradication of wild poliovirus depends on sustained immunizations.