Misuse of the VAERS database to spread fear, uncertainty, and doubt about vaccines has been a favorite technique of antivaxxers for decades. Unfortunately, 2021 was the year when this particular antivax trope was turbocharged. (Note: Orac will be taking a week off after this—see note in post.)
![Dumpster diving in VAERS](https://i0.wp.com/www.respectfulinsolence.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/03/dumpsterdiving.jpg?fit=1200%2C674&ssl=1)