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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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.

Reports that the FDA may not clear an updated COVID-19 vaccine for young children caused concern and confusion about who can and should get vaccinated. Health communicators may explain that COVID-19 vaccines protect people of all ages, including healthy children. Messaging may emphasize that infants and young children are at higher risk from COVID-19 than any other age group under 50. Talking points may highlight that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends COVID-19 vaccination for children 6 to 23 months, and for children over 2 years who are at high risk of severe illness.

An existing nasal-spray flu vaccine, FluMist, is now available for at-home administration. Messaging may explain that FluMist has been in use for over 20 years. Like the flu shot, it is safe and reduces the risk of infection, serious illness, complications, and death. Health communicators may emphasize that the vaccine is approved for people aged 2 to 49 years, and is generally not recommended for people who are pregnant or have weakened immune systems.

Vaccine opponents have resurfaced the debunked myth that a mutation of the MTHFR gene causes children to have severe reactions to vaccines. Debunking messaging may explain that this claim is an anti-vaccine myth with no scientific basis. MTHFR mutations are very common—more people have them than don’t—and most have no negative health effects. Health communicators may continue to emphasize the safety and importance of childhood vaccines.

Interested in recommendations tailored to health care providers? Click here.