No, you have not been microchipped or magnetized by the vaccine

Debunking the latest vaccine myth: The fact that a quarter might stick to your vaccine site is not evidence that you’ve been nefariously microchipped so the evil government can track you.

And yes, we’re living in a time when it’s actually necessary to type such words.

Seems there’s no shortage of viral videos featuring folks pressing quarters, magnets or keys onto their upper arms with an “Ah ha!” Their theory: a microchip embedded in the vaccine is emitting a magnetic pull.

The anti-vax myth is getting so much traction that the CDC’s website now addresses it, listing vaccine ingredients in detail along with assurances that there’s nothing electromagnetic about any of them.

What’s behind the videos? In some cases, a bit of trickery perhaps (tape?) but also just common physics. Surface tension, skin oil and moisture can all cause objects to cling, according to the Office for Science and Society at Montreal’s McGill University. Like the old parlor trick of hanging a spoon from your nose.

But since none of that is likely to sway anyone who’s camping in conspiracy land, try this: Press that same quarter to your forehead.

Sticks there, too.

- Joanne Kimberlin