The Claim:
A new anti-vaccine claim blames Bill Gates for collaborating with Australia to unleash genetically modified mosquitoes to secretly vaccinate people.
The Facts:
The claim likely comes from confusion about real scientific projects using genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes. These projects are not meant to vaccinate humans but to fight mosquito-borne diseases. They work by reducing mosquito populations and creating mosquitoes that can’t spread diseases like malaria to people.
The tweet probably refers to the Wolbachia Mosquito Programs, funded in part by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and used in Australia. These programs release mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia bacteria, which lowers their ability to spread viruses like dengue, reducing disease cases.
Vaccines require carefully controlled doses of antigens introduced directly into the human body. Mosquitoes, even genetically modified ones, can’t deliver precise doses of vaccines.
Disclaimer: Science is always evolving and our understanding of these topics may have evolved too since this was originally posted. Be sure to check out our most recent posts and browse the latest Just the Facts Topics for the latest.
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