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A fresh debate on Covid-19 vaccines has emerged after recent remarks by Tesla chief Elon Musk, bringing renewed attention to vaccine safety and public discussion.
Elon Musk sparks fresh debate on Covid-19 vaccine. (REUTERS)A fresh debate over Covid-19 vaccines has emerged following recent remarks by Tesla chief Elon Musk and testimony presented before Germany’s federal parliament, bringing renewed focus on vaccine safety, development timelines, and public discussion.
Musk shares personal experience
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Musk wrote, “The vaccine dosage was obviously too high and done too many times. I had the original Wuhan virus before there was any vaccine, and it was much like any other cold/flu. Bad, but not terrible. But my second vaccine shot almost sent me to the hospital. Felt like I was dying.”
Social media claims remain unverified
A journalist named PeterSweden also shared a post on X, claiming that a former pharmaceutical toxicologist had made serious allegations during a parliamentary enquiry in Germany about vaccine-related deaths. These claims have spread widely online but remain unverified and have not been confirmed by mainstream scientific or regulatory bodies.
Reacting to the billionaire's post, former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote: "Countless numbers of people have died from the Covid vaccines. Many live with vaccine injuries. Women have had miscarriages.
Their FDA approval must be revoked, and they need to be entirely taken off the market.
I had Covid early in March of 2020 and was only sick for a few days. I never took the vaccine because the risks were much higher than the actual virus."
Testimony before German parliament
The discussion gained momentum after a recent hearing in Germany’s federal parliament. On March 19, 2026, Dr Helmut Sterz, described as a former toxicologist linked to pharmaceutical work, spoke before the Bundestag’s Corona Enquete Commission.
He raised concerns about the speed of Covid-19 vaccine development, suggesting that some long-term risk studies, including those on carcinogenic effects, may not have been fully completed before the vaccines were rolled out widely. He said this was due to the intense pressure during the peak of the pandemic.
Earlier, Musk had responded to comments made by US Vice President JD Vance during an appearance on the The Joe Rogan Experience. Vance said, “we are not talking enough about the side-effects of Covid-19 vaccines in this country,” adding that he experienced a strong reaction after taking the vaccine despite having contracted Covid-19 multiple times.
Musk’s stance on mandates
Musk has previously criticised mandatory vaccination policies, saying he would have preferred going to “prison” rather than enforcing such rules for his employees. He also claimed that his third vaccine dose nearly led to hospitalisation.
Social media reactions to Musk's post
The post quickly gained traction, evoking a range of reactions. Here are some of them:
A user wrote: "Mine did send me to the hospital; I had a heart attack at age 26."
Another user said: "The easiest decision I've ever made was not taking that poison."
A third user said: "We all agree with you, Elon!"
A fourth user said: "It’s weird to me that such a smart man would get this vaccine."
About the Author
Kanishka Singharia
Kanishka Singharia is a Senior Content Producer at Mint with a passion for news, trends, and the stories shaping the digital world. She specialises in spotting viral narratives by constantly tracking social media platforms and turning them into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Her work ranges from fast-paced breaking updates to sensitive human-interest features, blending speed with clarity. <br><br> With over four years of experience in news and trend reporting, Kanishka has worked with leading organisations such as Hindustan Times and Times Now. She moves seamlessly between profiling business leaders and telling the stories of everyday people, covering national developments just as effortlessly as the memes and conversations that dominate online culture. <br><br> She also reports on real estate developments and civic challenges in major urban hubs like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Gurugram. Her coverage frequently explores the struggles of startup founders, inspiring journeys of CEOs, and the experiences of candidates dealing with the complexities of visa processes. <br><br> Kanishka holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Delhi University and a diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Rarely offline, she spends much of her time scrolling through X, LinkedIn, Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook in search of the next big story. When she finally logs off, she enjoys binge-watching shows and exploring cafes in pursuit of good food and better conversations.
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