The Vaccine Gangs meme emerged in early 2021 as COVID-19 vaccines became widely available to the public. What began as a simple medical rollout quickly transformed into a form of internet tribalism, where individuals identified with their specific vaccine manufacturer like sports fans or street gangs. Users on Twitter and TikTok began creating content that pitted 'Pfizer Gang' against 'Moderna Mob' and 'Johnson & Johnson' recipients, often using imagery from West Side Story or classic action movies to depict the rivalry. The meme serves as a lighthearted way to cope with the stress of the pandemic, turning a global health milestone into a relatable social competition about brand loyalty and perceived side effects.