Ãå±±ÊÓÆµ alert on COVID-19 vaccine misinformation

Jasmin Merdan/Moment via Getty Images
(Jasmin Merdan/Moment via Getty Images)

The Ãå±±ÊÓÆµ's logo is being misappropriated in emails, on social media and on yard signs to spread incorrect and inflammatory information about the COVID-19 vaccines, including misconstruing the organization's position.

The Ãå±±ÊÓÆµ supports COVID-19 vaccinations as safe and effective.

The misleading messaging first appeared in January and increased in June with a "back-to-school" emphasis.

"We are aware of images circulating on social media and in emails," the Ãå±±ÊÓÆµ said in a statement. "These messages do not reflect the Association's policy or position, and our logo was used without permission."

The messages refer to an abstract published in the Journal of the Ãå±±ÊÓÆµ last year, which is under scientific review and has been flagged with an .

Regarding COVID-19 vaccines, the weight of scientific evidence shows the risk of complications is very low and the benefits greatly outweigh the risks.

The Ãå±±ÊÓÆµ, which has issued a fraud warning, urges people to disregard these messages.

For parents who are concerned: