NYC Works To Bust COVID Vaccine Myths As Boosters Pass 811K Shots

NEW YORK CITY — The coronavirus vaccine does not cause infertility, nor is "natural immunity" the best defense against the virus.

New York City's top doctors took time Monday with Mayor Bill de Blasio to bust those persistent myths, and others, about the COVID-19 vaccine.

“I ask all New Yorkers: help spread the truth, help to break those lies and bust those myths, so we can get everyone safe, especially with the holidays and the colder weather coming up,” de Blasio said.

The city's vaccination campaign has been remarkably successful so far. Roughly 88 percent of adults are vaccinated and 75 percent of all residents have received at least one dose, data shows.

But pockets of resistance remain and health officials worry COVID-19 could mount a resurgence.

De Blasio said the city will embark on an ad campaign to dispel misconceptions and educate hesitant New Yorkers as to the facts.

He showed a television commercial outlining what many people think: that past COVID-19 grants full protection, natural remedies protect against the virus and the vaccine causes infertility.

The commercial gives all those ideas the same, all-caps label: "FALSE."

De Blasio also encouraged vaccinated adult New Yorkers to get their booster shots, which roughly 811,000 have done so far.

Council Member Carlina Rivera echoed the mayor's call.

"Vaccines are working extremely well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death, even against the delta variant,” she said. “But we also know that coronavirus antibodies can ultimately wane, which is why it is critical that all New Yorkers seize this opportunity to get a booster shot, especially if you are in the groups with increased risk.”