Fact check: Letter about corona vaccine gives the false impression of an official warning

Corona vaccine with DNA contamination? This is what a letter suggests: “Important information about a medicine” is written in the large hand under the letterhead on a letter to numerous German doctors. It is dated December 1, 2023 and the sender is the company “Medizinischer Treatmentverbund GmbH”. It warns of “DNA contamination in mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccines” from the vaccine manufacturer Biontech/Pfizer and calls on doctors to send batches for laboratory testing.

Background to Red Hand Letters:

• Red Hand letters are official communications from pharmaceutical companies to doctors and pharmacists to communicate important information such as side effects or risks of medications.
• The use of the Red Hand symbol is subject to trademark rights and requires coordination with the responsible authorities, such as the Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI) or the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).

Details of the letter in question:

• The letter from “Medizinischer Treatmentverbund GmbH” warns of DNA contamination in mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccines and calls for batches to be sent in.
• According to its website, the company has experience in treating Covid-19 vaccine victims.
• The letter was signed by managing director Markus Bönig and scientific director Andreas Sönnichsen.

Statements from authorities and associations:

• The PEI and the BfArM confirmed that the letter does not contain any officially checked and authorized information.
• The Federal Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (BPI) condemns the misuse of the warning and is considering legal action because the use of the symbol was not approved.

On the safety of corona vaccines:

• According to PEI, all batches of the Covid-19 vaccine Comirnaty distributed in Germany have been tested and approved for distribution.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) and medical professional associations describe the vaccines as safe.

The company's connections to Corona critics:

• MBV GmbH and its representatives have connections to well-known Corona critics and have themselves made statements critical of vaccinations.

Conclusion:

The letter from “Medizinischer Treatmentverbund GmbH” is not an official communication and represents false information. It serves to create uncertainty through targeted disinformation and misuses the red hand symbol. The claims in the letter about DNA contamination in coronavirus vaccines are refuted by officials and experts.

Don't miss the latest developments and protect yourself from misinformation. Sign up for the Mimikama newsletter and discover Mimikama's comprehensive media education offering to always be well-informed and confident in the digital space.

Sources: Paul Ehrlich Institute , BfArM / Statement , DPA

Also read:

• Jan Josef Liefers: Target of digital false reports
• E-cars and the claim of 29 euros for a 100 kilometer journey
• Differences in perception on Facebook – a look