Finances at Moderna, the vaccine manufacturer, have taken a hit as Americans resist getting another COVID booster shot. The company reported a third-quarter loss of $3.6 billion last year as vaccination rates declined. Moderna has been working to combat vaccine hesitancy and misinformation through partnerships with organizations like The Public Good Projects (PGP) and by monitoring online conversations.
The company has also targeted high-profile vaccine critics, including Michael Shellenberger, Russell Brand, and Alex Berenson. Despite these efforts, Moderna's financial struggles highlight the limits of the censorship industrial complex.
Moderna's chief commercial officer, Arpa Garay, has attributed the decline in vaccination rates to misinformation and uninformed vaccine skeptics. She emphasized that the vaccine is relevant for all age groups and hinted at Moderna's partnership with PGP to combat “misinformation”.
However, internal reports and communications reviewed by RealClearInvestigations reveal that Moderna already had a media operation in place to identify and respond to critics. The company has provided talking points to healthcare professionals and used artificial intelligence to monitor online conversations.
Moderna's surveillance efforts have targeted prominent vaccine critics, including Alex Berenson, Russell Brand, and Michael Shellenberger. These individuals have been closely monitored and flagged for spreading alleged misinformation. Moderna has worked to remove their content from social media platforms and dismiss their claims as false or conspiracy theories. Despite being under surveillance, these critics remain steadfast in their opposition to the vaccine and continue to voice their concerns.
The Moderna Reports also highlight the company's efforts to downplay documented side effects of the vaccine. Concerns about potential risks are dismissed as mere public relations efforts to maintain a positive image for the vaccine. This blurring of the lines between public relations and public health raises questions about the influence of corporate interests on vaccine narratives.
The financial struggles faced by Moderna indicate the limitations of the censorship industrial complex. Despite its efforts to combat vaccine hesitancy and control the narrative, the company's declining financials suggest that public skepticism and resistance cannot be easily overcome.
