It seems like new information about the coronavirus pandemic is released almost every hour, from government updates to celebrities' versions of self-quarantine.
But not all celebrities are complying with recommendations from health officials. Just last week, Evangeline Lilly revealed why she decided not to socially distance, despite warnings from the CDC and health officials worldwide that it is crucial to slowing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic and saving lives.
And now M.I.A. has revealed that she opposes another vital public health tool: vaccinations. Earlier today the musician, widely known for her hit song "Paper Planes," took to Twitter to give her take on vaccinations.
Here's the tweet:
If I have to choose the vaccine or chip I'm gonna choose death - YALA
The CDC — and countless doctors and scientists — have affirmed that current vaccines are both safe and effective, and save lives.
Some Twitter users attempted to use facts to educate the singer on how vaccines actually work.
@MIAuniverse Vaccines work by training the immune system to recognize and combat pathogens,either viruses or bacteria. To do this,certain molecules from the pathogen must be introduced into the body to trigger an immune response. They basically give your body a "memory" of how to fight them.
She addressed one commenter by detailing a personal story of vaccinating her son.
Yeah in America they made me vacinate my child before the school admission. It was the hardest thing. To not have choice over this as a mother. I never wanna feel that again. He was so sick for 3 weeks then Docs had to pump him with antibiotics to reduce the fever from 3 vaxins https://t.co/dJPHUe2Qmg
It should be noted that while some vaccines do have serious side effects, they are incredibly rare.
In a now-deleted tweet, M.I.A. added, "Most of science is in bed with business. Business is in bed with banks, banks are in bed with tech, techs in bed with us, we're in bed with corona. Corona is in bed with science. So on...the best is prevention."
Most of the replies were mainly just filled with concern, explaining the benefits of vaccinations, especially in prevention.
@MIAuniverse I’m at greater risk during this pandemic because of lung issues sustained because my parents didn’t vaccinate me against the measles and I caught it as an adult. I lost a year of my life and it took five years for my health to stabilise. Vax your kids.
The rapper then went on to say you don't need to "stress the medical systems" and "the vaccines you've already had is enough to see you through."
Don't panic you are ok. You are not gonna die. You can make it without stressing the medical systems. Just breathe. You are going to be ok. You can make it through without jumping in the frying pan. You are fine. All the vaccines you ve already had is enough to see you through.
This goes against the medical advice of the CDC and most doctors, who advocate for annual flu shots.
As more people challenged her views and sought out clarity, M.I.A. concluded the conversation. Here is one of her final tweets.
Have a healthy life. Don't live in fear!
For more information on vaccinations and the coronavirus, check out the links below.
CORRECTION
Parts of this post have been changed or updated to clarify that both vaccines and social distancing are safe and effective.