The CDC recently issued a Health Alert Network advisory, emphasizing low vaccination rates for COVID-19 and the flu and highlighting potential strain on health care systems. A doctor in Ohio shared this alert on social media. In response, a prominent vaccine opponent on social media expressed optimism about low vaccination...
A vaccine opponent group shared a video news segment on social media that is raising concerns about COVID-19 vaccines. The video claims that in 2021, a group of 18 people in Connecticut experienced cardiac issues due to a “defective” batch of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. In comments on the video,...
Several Spanish-language social media posts are raising concerns about alleged increasing rates of myocarditis. One post featured U.S. media personalities falsely claiming that myocarditis is widespread and that half of young adults who experience myocarditis face permanent heart damage. Another post falsely claimed that myocarditis rates have surged by...
Multiple social media users are claiming that the former Italian Minister of Health is under investigation for homicide due to allegations of concealing COVID-19 vaccine-related deaths. In response, some social media users are expressing concerns about COVID-19 vaccine safety. Risk level: Medium Recommendation: While conversations about this claim are unlikely...
A trending social media post recirculated the false claim that ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine can treat COVID-19. The post also falsely claimed that the pharmaceutical industry is covering up the benefits of these medications because they threaten the vaccine industry. Risk level: High Recommendation: These types of posts may discourage patients...
Concerns about COVID-19 vaccine safety continue to cause vaccine hesitancy, fueled by a constant stream of misleading and false claims from vaccine opponents, including some prominent political officials. These anti-vaccine narratives are not original: They’re old claims given new life when attached to misrepresented studies, misused data, and political...
One hundred firefighters who were suspended for refusing to comply with COVID-19 vaccine requirements filed a lawsuit against the state of California. In response to this lawsuit, some social media users are raising concerns about the constitutionality of vaccine mandates. Others are expressing skepticism about the COVID-19 vaccine’s efficacy...
Several social media users recently alleged that Texas Children’s Hospital sent out an email to parents of patients stating that they will no longer treat unvaccinated or undervaccinated children. The hospital has stated to media outlets that the email is illegitimate. One of the top social media posts sharing...
In a widely circulated social media post, a user claimed to have observed numerous heart attacks and strokes among young people while working at a hospital on a North Dakota Native reservation. The user attributed these medical emergencies to the COVID-19 vaccine. Some social media users commented on the post...
As flu cases rise in the Northeast, several local health departments have been promoting the flu vaccine on social media. The New York City Department of Health shared social media posts about the spike in flu cases and highlighted how getting vaccinated helps vulnerable groups. Some social media users commented...