Fact check: Image purporting to show COVID-19 vaccine billboard in New Zealand is altered

McKenzie Sadeghi, USA TODAY
·3 min read
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The claim: An image shows a billboard in New Zealand promoting COVID-19 booster shots

As different countries roll out COVID-19 booster shots ahead of the holidays, an image of a purported billboard in New Zealand promoting vaccinations and “freedoms” is making the rounds on social media.

A Dec. 7 Instagram post that accumulated more than 4,000 likes within a day features a photo of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and red text that says, “Remember to book your Christmas booster! Each booster gives you up to six months worth of freedoms!”

Below the text is a logo for the New Zealand Labour Party and a slogan that says, “No Jab, No Job, no refunds.” A disclaimer at the bottom reads, “freedoms not available in all areas and are subject to change.”

The image recently made its way to Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Users in the comment sections called the billboard "sickening" and "absurd," while others questioned if it was a real advertisement.

But the photo isn’t authentic and has been previously debunked. It was photoshopped using a 2020 campaign sign.

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The social media users who shared the post did not return a request for comment.

Photo isn't real

The image circulating online was doctored using an August 2020 campaign poster that was put up in the weeks leading up to New Zealand’s general election. The original photo features Ardern's headshot and the Labour Party’s campaign slogan, “Let’s keep moving.”

"Auckland, New Zealand August 8, 2020 : New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern political campaign sign," reads the caption of the photo on Shutterstock. The original image can also be seen in news reports and on the website New Zealand Election Ads.

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Users have previously altered the photo to mock the campaign and changed the slogan to include the phrase, "Let's keep smoking."

According to New Zealand's Ministry of Health, a COVID-19 booster shot is not required in order to qualify as fully vaccinated under the country's My Vaccine Pass or to obtain an International Travel Vaccination Certificate.

Our rating: Altered

Based on our research, we rate ALTERED an image claiming to show a billboard in New Zealand promoting COVID-19 booster shots. The original image was captured in August 2020 and features the Labour Party's 2020 campaign slogan. The photo has been digitally manipulated to add a message about COVID-19 booster shots.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fact check: New Zealand campaign image altered to mention vaccines