A coronavirus vaccine is still months or years away, but groups that peddle misinformation about immunisations are already taking aim, potentially eroding confidence in what could be humanity’s best chance to defeat the virus, AP reports.

In recent weeks, vaccine opponents have made several unsubstantiated claims, including allegations that vaccine trials will be dangerously rushed or that Dr Anthony Fauci, US's top infectious diseases expert, is blocking cures to enrich vaccine makers.

They’ve also falsely claimed that Microsoft founder Bill Gates wants to use a vaccine to inject microchips into people — or to cull 15 per cent of the world’s population.

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