CDC updates webpage to include false autism claims, fueling confusion
Repeated false claims about childhood, flu, and COVID-19 vaccines also gained traction.
Repeated false claims about childhood, flu, and COVID-19 vaccines also gained traction.
On November 19, the CDC updated its webpage on vaccines and autism, adding false information that suggests a possible link between the two. Public health experts and healthcare providers expressed confusion and concern, noting that the changes are not supported by evidence and contradict scientific consensus. Earlier this week, a 2020 podcast clip resurfaced of the now-U.S. health secretary claiming that flu vaccines make you sick, reigniting myths online. An anti-vaccine website also falsely claimed that “over-vaccination” of children causes autism, while social media users alleged that COVID-19 vaccines are “toxic” and linked to widespread serious health issues.
Insights brought to you by the reporters and science writers of Public Good News (PGN), a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to improving community health.
What’s trending in vaccine conversation:
This week, the CDC updated its website to promote false claims that childhood vaccines may be linked to autism. The change was reportedly made without the knowledge or input of career CDC scientists, many of whom said they were “blindsided” by the abrupt reversal. Public health experts condemned the update, warning that it will fuel confusion, increase hesitancy, and further erode trust in the agency. As one former CDC official stated, “CDC cannot currently be trusted as a scientific voice.” Vaccine opponents, including the anti-vaccine organization founded by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., praised the CDC for “acknowledging the truth.”
A clip from a 2020 podcast has resurfaced several myths about flu vaccines, garnering millions of views since November 15. The clip shows the now-health secretary falsely claiming that flu vaccines weaken the immune system and make people more likely to contract other respiratory infections, including COVID-19. Many popular anti-vaccine accounts shared the clip, apparently believing it was recent. Commenters supported the false claims and suggested that flu vaccines are unnecessary for healthy people.
A November 6 article on an anti-vaccine website falsely claims that children are being “over-vaccinated.” In the article, a former nurse alleges that hospitals are re-administering vaccines to vaccinated children without vaccination records. The article falsely links “over-vaccination” to rising autism rates and criticizes the current childhood vaccine schedule. Responses to the article expressed satisfaction that anti-vaccine claims are gaining mainstream traction. While some users insinuated without evidence that so-called over-vaccinated children are at increased risk of many health issues, others rejected the myth that vaccines cause autism and stressed the importance of childhood vaccines.
Several popular social media posts in recent weeks falsely alleged that COVID-19 vaccines cause severe side effects. These posts, which cite anecdotes and non-credible research, claim that COVID-19 vaccines are linked to widespread health issues, including blindness, stroke, and death. Vaccine opponents promoted the myths that COVID-19 vaccines are “toxic” and caused millions of deaths and that health officials and health care providers concealed the vaccines’ harmful effects.
Read the fact checks:
- National Foundation for Infectious Diseases: Autism and Vaccines: What the Science Really Says
- Public Good News: Don’t let these myths stop you from getting your flu shot
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: Too Many Vaccines? What You Should Know
- Science Feedback: How health problems after COVID-19 vaccination are sometimes used to feed misinformation narratives
Recommendations brought to you by the health communication experts behind Infodemiology.com.
Recommendations for public health professionals
Each week, the Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. Use these helpful tips when creating content, updating web pages and FAQs, and to inform strategy for messaging about vaccines.
The CDC’s updated stance on vaccines and autism suggests that the agency’s guidance is now being shaped by political influence rather than scientific evidence. Health communicators may wish to share more reliable sources, such as CHOP, AAP, CIDRAP, and WHO. Messaging may emphasize that, regardless of shifting stances at the CDC, scientific consensus hasn’t changed: Over three decades of research prove that vaccines do not cause autism. Messaging may also emphasize that the CDC’s claims are not backed by scientific evidence, which has consistently shown that vaccinated and unvaccinated children have autism at the same rates.
Myths about flu vaccines are likely to continue, as a new variant raises concerns about vaccine effectiveness. Health communicators may highlight that even with a new variant, the flu vaccine still offers the best protection. That’s why major medical organizations recommend flu vaccination each year to reduce the risk of infection, severe illness, and death. Emphasizing that even healthy people benefit from the flu vaccine is recommended. Debunking messaging may explain that large-scale research shows that flu vaccines do not damage the immune system or increase infection risk. Messaging may also note that flu infections can cause severe illness and serious complications, especially in older adults and young children.
Health communicators should respond with empathy and acknowledge parents’ concerns about child vaccination, while explaining how recommended vaccines protect children, their families, and their communities. Messaging may highlight that scientists rigorously test and monitor vaccines for safety and emphasize that there are no major safety concerns associated with childhood vaccines.
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