WHAT WAS CLAIMED
Pfizer listed hMPV as a "side effect" of its COVID-19 vaccine.
OUR VERDICT
False. The virus was listed as an "adverse event", not as a proven "side effect".
AAP FACTCHECK - Vaccine safety data has been misinterpreted to falsely claim human metapneumovirus is listed as a "side-effect" of COVID-19 vaccines.
A Pfizer safety surveillance data report listed human metapneumovirus (hMPV) as an "adverse event" reported after vaccination, not as a "side effect" proven to be caused by the jab.
The claim is spreading on social media following reports of a human metapneumovirus (hMPV) outbreak in northern China.
The virus causes a respiratory infection with symptoms that include a cough, fever, runny or blocked nose, and headache.
The claim is in a Facebook post that accuses the media of ramping up "fear porn" about hMPV.