News that FDA may not reauthorize COVID-19 vaccines for healthy young children sparks conversation

This week, the launch of an at-home nasal-spray flu vaccine sparked online conversations about vaccine access, and a viral video promoted myths about vaccine safety and “detox.”

Online vaccine conversations this week discussed the restriction of COVID-19 vaccine access for young children and the expansion of flu vaccine access with the fall launch. Several news outlets reported that the FDA has signaled that it won’t reauthorize Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for healthy children under 5, fueling concerns about how parents will access the vaccine. Meanwhile, the nasal-spray flu vaccine became available for at-home use, a widely-celebrated move that many say will increase vaccine access at a time when flu vaccination rates are declining. Finally, a viral video repeated a debunked myth that a genetic mutation makes some children more vulnerable to “extreme vaccine reactions.”

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What’s trending in vaccine conversation:

In an August 8 email, federal health officials indicated that the FDA may not renew its authorization for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for healthy children under 5 years old, according to reporting by the Guardian and others. The news fueled new concerns about COVID-19 vaccine access, due to unclear eligibility guidelines and uncertainty about health insurance coverage of the updated vaccine. In advance of the expected change, the American Academy of Pediatrics released an “evidence-based immunization schedule” for children and adolescents, significantly diverging from CDC recommendations for the first time in 30 years. Some public health figures and social media users encouraged people to get COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible, before eligibility changes. However, anti-vaccine advocates argued that the vaccine should never have been authorized for children and called for all COVID-19 vaccines to be banned. Many expressed concern and frustration that parents may not be able to choose to vaccinate their children.

Beginning August 15, the nasal-spray flu vaccine Flumist is available in 34 states for at-home administration for people aged 2 to 49 years old. News coverage and online conversations about the vaccine focused on access, emphasizing that vaccination rates were down last flu season, especially among children and older adults. Some posts expressed excitement about trying the vaccine, but were concerned about correct administration and insurance coverage. Vaccine opponents criticized the news, claiming that “Big Pharma” is trying to kill people at home and that all flu vaccines are a “scam.” Others claimed that the vaccine would make more people sick and recommended unproven “natural” flu remedies.

A video with over 1.4 million views claims without evidence that a mutation of the MTHFR gene causes “extreme reactions to vaccines,” a myth that has circulated online for years. The gene processes folate, also called vitamin B9, which the body uses to make DNA and grow cells. Some mutations in the gene may make it harder for the body to process folate and require taking folic acid supplements, particularly during pregnancy. However, there is no evidence supporting widespread claims that any mutation is linked to dozens of diseases. In fact, mutations of the gene are very common and most have no impact on people’s lives. The video repeats some of these claims, falsely suggesting that the mutation causes a buildup of “toxins, heavy metals, and even parasites.” Thousands of users supported the video’s false information and shared ideas for “detoxing” children after vaccination. Some posts argued that children with the mutation should not be vaccinated, while others suggested that no children should receive vaccines.

Read the fact checks: 

• AAP: The American Academy of Pediatrics releases its own evidence-based immunization schedule 
• Everyday Health: FluMist nasal flu vaccine now available for home delivery without a prescription
• USA Today: Fact check: MTHFR gene is not linked to physical indicators or vaccine response

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Talking points for health care providers to use in response to trending narratives

Each week the Infodemiology.com team will provide talking points and supporting messages in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. Health care providers can use this messaging when discussing vaccines online, talking to patients, or engaging with communities.

COVID-19 vaccines protect young children too. That’s why pediatricians recommend them.

• COVID-19 vaccines protect people of all ages, including healthy, young children.
• Children under age 2 had higher rates of severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19 than older children and adolescents, with a majority of cases in children with no underlying health conditions.
• Research suggests that around 15 percent of infants and young children experience long COVID symptoms after an infection.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends COVID-19 vaccination for children 6 to 23 months, and for children over 2 years old who are at high risk of severe illness.

Now you can get your annual flu vaccine at home with no needles.

• The nasal-spray flu vaccine, FluMist, is now available for at-home use. The vaccine is very safe and reduces the risk of infection, serious illness, complications, and death. 
• FluMist isn’t new. It’s been used in the U.S. for over 20 years. But now it can be delivered to your door for self administration at home.
• The vaccine is approved for administration to children under 17 years by a caregiver and for adults under age 49.
• The vaccine is generally not recommended for people who are pregnant or immunocompromised. It contains a weakened flu virus that is harmless to healthy people but poses a slight risk to people with vulnerable immune systems.

When it comes to vaccines, your child’s doctor knows best.

• Some people online have been falsely claiming that a genetic mutation makes vaccines unsafe for certain children. This is an anti-vaccine myth with no scientific basis.
• Childhood vaccines are safe and thoroughly tested. Children are at risk from vaccine-preventable diseases, not vaccines.
• Vaccination is the best and safest way to protect children against preventable, deadly diseases like measles and polio.
• Your health care provider is always the best source for information about vaccines.
  
  Interested in recommendations tailored to public health professionals? Click here.