04 / 2025
Vaccines are one of the most significant medical advances in history and are the most effective preventive measure against serious disease. According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccines have prevented an estimated 154 million deaths worldwide since 1974. One aspect modelled by the study was the number of deaths avoided by vaccinations against a total of 14 pathogens, including measles, polio and tetanus. Despite their enormous benefits, vaccines are always the focus of public discussion – both in traditional media and on digital platforms. There are numerous myths, half-truths, and pieces of targeted disinformation about vaccines. Especially those individuals who are sceptical of vaccination or still feel unsafe can be further unsettled by misinformation and it can have a negative influence on their decision-making – for example, whether they decide to vaccinate themselves or their children. As the Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut's campaign #VaccineFacts versus myths aims to refute misinformation about vaccines, promote informed health decisions, and thereby improve public health.
The Paul-Ehrlich-Institut's website offers interested members of the public, medical professionals, and the media scientifically sound information on research and authorisation as well as on the quality, safety, and efficacy of vaccines and biomedicines according to current scientific knowledge. This information is now complemented by the #VaccineFacts versus myths campaign, which provides easy-to-understand information on vaccines. With this initiative, the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut is taking targeted action against the spread of false information, strengthening confidence in vaccines and regulatory testing, and providing reliable guidance. The higher federal authority's initiative is helping to shore up the public's knowledge of vaccines and to effectively dispel widespread myths.
The #VaccineFacts versus myths campaign provides key facts about vaccines and vaccinations and dispels widespread myths and misinformation. The content is based on the scientific and regulatory work of the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut in areas such as vaccine safety, efficacy, and risk-benefit assessment. Some of this content has already been provided as information for healthcare professionals in the form of "truth sandwiches". They now form the basis for the public awareness campaign. The Paul-Ehrlich-Institut has expanded the target audience and geared the content towards the general public by preparing it in an easily accessible video format.
The #VaccineFacts versus myths are published prominently on the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut's website. The focus is on the scientifically proven fact, while the associated myth is only briefly mentioned – thus preventing misinformation from being retained. Each vaccine fact is explained in a short, easy-to-understand explanatory video that will be disseminated over the course of the campaign on the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut's social media channels. The videos offer low-threshold access to verified information and combine scientific accuracy with an emotionally comprehensible approach.
Informed members of the public – as well as healthcare professionals – can play an important role in counteracting misinformation with sound knowledge about vaccines. Join us and share the campaign content on your social media channels with the hashtag #VaccineFacts. By participating you actively contribute to spreading reliable information and countering disinformation. Each fact-based message that is shared increases the visibility of scientifically validated content and helps make it easier for unsure or indecisive individuals to access credible information.
Updated: 20.05.2025
