Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, false information has spread just as quickly as the virus itself. For the Somali community in Victoria, this misinformation can cause real harm — leading people to avoid vaccines, delay seeking medical care, or take unnecessary risks. This post addresses the most common myths circulating in our community and provides clear, factual guidance based on advice from the Australian Department of Health and the Victorian Government.

Myth 1: The COVID-19 Vaccine Was Developed Too Quickly to Be Safe

Many people have heard that the vaccines were rushed and therefore cannot be trusted. This is not true. While the vaccines were developed faster than previous vaccines, this was due to unprecedented global funding, collaboration among thousands of scientists, and advances in mRNA technology — not because safety steps were skipped. Every COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Australia went through rigorous clinical trials and was assessed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia's independent medicines regulator.

Myth 2: The Vaccine Contains Microchips or Haram Ingredients

Two false claims circulate widely in Muslim communities globally. The first is that vaccines contain microchips inserted by governments for tracking. This is completely false — the vaccines contain mRNA, lipids, salts, sugars, and buffers. No electronic components of any kind are present. The second claim is that the vaccines contain pork-derived ingredients (gelatin). The Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines approved in Australia do not contain porcine gelatin. The Australian National Imams Council and several leading Islamic scholars have issued statements confirming the vaccines are permissible (halal) under Islamic law.

Myth 3: If You Are Young and Healthy, COVID-19 Cannot Harm You

While older people and those with chronic conditions face higher risk of severe illness, young and healthy people are not immune. COVID-19 has caused hospitalisation, long-term symptoms (known as Long COVID), and death in people of all ages. Younger members of our community can also unknowingly pass the virus to elders and vulnerable family members. Protecting yourself is also protecting your family.

How COVID-19 Actually Spreads — The Facts

COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets and aerosols when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. It does not spread through 5G networks, mosquito bites, or imported goods. The most effective ways to reduce transmission are:

• Wearing a fitted mask in indoor public spaces
• Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Staying 1.5 metres away from others where possible
• Getting vaccinated when it becomes available to you
• Staying home if you feel unwell and getting tested

Somali-Language Information — Macluumaadka Afka Soomaaliga

Waa muhiim in aad ka hesho macluumaadka saxda ah oo ku saabsan COVID-19 ilo la isku halayn karo. Hoos waxaad ka heli kartaa khayraadka muhiimka ah:

(It is important to get accurate COVID-19 information from reliable sources. Below you can find key resources:)

• Victorian Government Health — Somali resources: coronavirus.vic.gov.au
• National Coronavirus Helpline (24/7): 1800 020 080 — interpreter services available / adeegga turjumaanka ayaa diyaar ah
• Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National): 131 450
• Australian Department of Health — multilingual resources: health.gov.au

Vaccination is the safest way to protect yourself, your family, and your community from serious illness caused by COVID-19.

— Victorian Chief Health Officer

How to Identify Reliable Health Information Online

With so much information circulating on social media, WhatsApp groups, and messaging apps, it can be difficult to know what to trust. Before sharing any health information, ask yourself:

1. Does this come from an official government or health authority website?
2. Is there a date and an author listed?
3. Does it cite scientific studies or medical experts?
4. Does it try to create panic or distrust without providing evidence?

Protecting our community from COVID-19 starts with accurate information. When you hear a claim about the virus or the vaccine that sounds alarming or hard to believe, pause before sharing it — check an official source, call the helpline, or ask a trusted health professional. Our community is strong because we look after one another, and sharing the truth is one of the most important things we can do right now.