A post shared on Facebook claims Japanese officials launched an investigation into millions of deaths caused by the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Verdict: False

There is no evidence for this claim. It originates from a website known for spreading misinformation.

Fact Check: 

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that a new strain, XBB.1.5, is now the biggest strain in the U.S. and has been detected in 19 countries, Politico reported. Chinese hospitals struggle to keep enough space for COVID-19 cases as countries become more weary of visitors traveling from the country, Associated Press reported.

A Facebook post claims Japan is investigating millions of deaths attributed to the COVID-19 vaccine. The post shares a video of several men speaking allegedly with English translation over it.

“Japan Launches Official Investigation Into Millions Of COVID Vaccine Deaths,” the post reads. “Japan has launched an official investigation into the unprecedented numbers of people dying after receiving the Covid-19 vaccination.”

This claim is baseless, however. The text as well as the video shown in the post come from an article published by NewsPunch on Jan. 3. This site known for spreading misinformation, according to Buzzfeed News and Poynter. Check Your Fact has previously debunked several other claims stemming from NewsPunch.

Check Your Fact found no statements on the Japanese prime minister’s website regarding an investigation into millions of deaths caused  by the COVID-19 vaccine. Likewise, there are no credible news reports to suggest that Japan has launched such an investigation. (RELATED: Did The COVID-19 Vaccine Kill 80 Canadian Doctors?)

Check Your Fact reached out to the World Health Organization for comment and will update this piece accordingly if one is received. 

This is not the first time COVID-19 vaccine misinformation has gone viral. Check Your Fact previously debunked a claim that the vaccine caused an aortic aneurysm that killed a sports journalist.