FDA faces criticism online for blocking studies showing vaccine effectiveness

Plus, the U.S. military sparks controversy for ending flu vaccine requirements, and online posts debated the benefits of shingles and HPV vaccination.

This week, the federal government's stance on multiple routine vaccines was the topic of online discourse. The U.S. military announced an end to mandatory flu vaccination for service members, drawing criticism from health experts and the general public. Online commenters expressed concern about reports that the FDA blocked studies showing the safety and effectiveness of shingles and COVID-19 vaccines. Meanwhile, social media users debated the necessity of HPV vaccines, particularly for boys and men.

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What’s trending in vaccine conversations

Several studies showing the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 and shingles vaccines were reportedly blocked from publication by the FDA. Health officials suggested that the studies lacked scientific integrity, a statement that some experts have refuted. Responses to the news were mixed. Some expressed support for the vaccines and accused the FDA of “censorship, while others echoed claims that the studies were flawed.

As of April 21, the U.S. military has made annual flu vaccination optional, ending an 80-year precedent and fueling online debate about the safety and effectiveness of flu vaccines. Health experts criticized the decision and continued to “strongly encourage” annual flu vaccination. Some commentators repeated false claims, including claiming that the flu isn’t serious, that vaccines are unnecessary, and that vaccination increases the risk of getting the flu. Others called the policy change short-sighted and expressed concern about service members spreading disease abroad. Some also claimed that the flu shot makes people more likely to get the flu.

An April 26 CNN news article sparked a discussion about HPV vaccination for boys and men, including debate about the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness. The article discussed new research suggesting that vaccination may reduce the risk of HPV-related cancers among males by nearly half. Some online commenters discussed how the vaccine has been discouraged in some religious communities by those who falsely claim it encourages irresponsible sexual behaviors. Although many comments were generally supportive of the HPV vaccine, some expressed concerns about the vaccine’s safety and accused the media of spreading “propaganda.”

Read the fact checks: 

• Pharmacy Times: FDA Blocks Publication of COVID-19 and Shingles Vaccine Safety Studies: What Pharmacists Need to Know
• Public Good Projects: Don’t let these myths stop you from getting your flu shot 
• American Sexual Health Association: HPV: What Men Need To Know

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Recommendations for public health professionals

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 developing strategy for messaging about vaccines.

The removal of the U.S. military’s flu vaccine requirement, particularly without a clear scientific rationale, may undermine confidence in vaccine safety and long-standing immunization guidance. Health communicators may continue to lead with evidence from trusted sources—such as the Infectious Disease Society of America and the American Heart Association—and emphasize that the science has not changed: Decades of research show that annual flu vaccination is safe and reduces the risk of infection, severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Messaging may emphasize that the flu can cause severe illness and complications, even in healthy individuals, and that experts recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone older than 6 months to protect themselves and their loved ones. 

The suppression of research on vaccine safety and effectiveness may weaken trust in vaccines and public health authorities. Messaging may explain that research has consistently supported the safety and effectiveness COVID-19 and shingles vaccines. Health communicators may explain that doctors recommend two doses of the shingles vaccine for adults ages 50 and older and for people with weakened immune systems. The vaccine is more than 90 percent effective and may also reduce the risk of a heart attack, stroke, and dementia. Additionally, communicators may emphasize that major medical organizations recommend that people ages 6 months and older stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccination to reduce their risk of severe illness, hospitalization, long COVID, and death.

Uptake of the HPV vaccine has plateaued in the U.S., due in part to persistent myths about its safety. Debunking messaging may emphasize that the HPV vaccine has a strong safety record, with no serious safety concerns identified, and that pediatricians recommend the vaccine for all adolescents to help protect against six types of cancer. Communicators may highlight that nearly every sexually active person will be exposed to HPV, which is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Explaining that the HPV vaccine reduces men’s risk of developing an HPV-related cancer by nearly half and reduces cervical cancer risk by around 90 percent is recommended, as is stressing that HPV vaccination is most effective when administered before exposure to the virus.