FDA vaccine safety investigations fuel debate online
Measles outbreaks spark conversations as the loss of the U.S.’s elimination status looms.
Measles outbreaks spark conversations as the loss of the U.S.’s elimination status looms.
In the second week of December, the Food and Drug Administration announced investigations into the safety of two types of immunizations: RSV monoclonal antibody treatments for infants and COVID-19 vaccines for all age groups. Vaccine opponents celebrated increased scrutiny of COVID-19 vaccines but had mixed responses to the RSV immunization review. Vaccine supporters and health experts warned that the investigations are not guided by science and may undermine trust in vaccines. Meanwhile, growing measles outbreaks in South Carolina, Utah, and Arizona resulted in the spread of continued false claims about the necessity and effectiveness of the MMR vaccine.
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What’s trending in vaccine conversation:
On December 9, the FDA launched a safety review of two monoclonal antibody treatments used to protect infants from RSV. No safety concerns have been identified since the products were approved, causing some online to question why the review was initiated. Several posts speculated that the review may be an early step toward rolling back approval of pediatric RSV immunizations, drawing parallels to the recent decision to end federal recommendations for universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth. While some vaccine opponents repeated false claims about the treatments’ alleged risks, others expressed support, emphasizing that the products are monoclonal antibodies rather than traditional vaccines.
The same day, the FDA announced it is investigating COVID-19 vaccine-related deaths “across multiple age groups,” weeks after the agency linked the vaccines to multiple alleged child deaths without providing evidence. The announcement drew skepticism online, with many users saying they no longer trust the agency. One post suggested they would only believe the findings are credible if reviewed by independent scientific experts and published in a reputable, peer-reviewed journal. Vaccine opponents, by contrast, supported the news and used it to call for stricter vaccine restrictions.
As of December 16, the CDC reported 1,958 confirmed measles cases this year, the highest total since 1992. South Carolina has recorded 138 cases, nearly all in the last two months, while an outbreak in Utah and Arizona has infected 291 people. On social media, users discussed the risks associated with holiday travel to and from affected states, as well as concerns that the U.S. could lose its measles elimination status, which is achieved when measles is no longer endemic (continuously circulating).
Vaccine opponents continued to downplay the severity of measles and question the effectiveness of vaccination, instead attributing outbreaks to vaccine shedding and immigration. Several posts also falsely linked the MMR vaccine to autism and sudden infant death syndrome.
Read the fact checks:
- HealthyChildren.org: RSV Immunizations: Two Ways to Protect Babies
- European Medicines Agency: COVID-19 vaccines: key facts
- AAP: The MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) Vaccine is Safe and Effective
Recommendations brought to you by the health communication experts behind Infodemiology.com.
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.
A federal review of RSV immunizations for infants may make parents more hesitant to protect their babies. Health communicators may counter this by explaining that infants face a very high risk of severe RSV infection and by emphasizing that RSV immunizations reduce infant hospitalization by 80-90 percent. Messaging may also stress that there are no safety concerns associated with RSV immunizations, which are rigorously tested and monitored for safety. Finally, communicators may consider updating public-facing materials related to RSV in preparation for potential changes to federal guidance next year.
With COVID-19 cases expected to rise following holiday travel, unproven safety claims from federal health agencies may discourage some people from getting vaccinated. Health communicators are advised to use caution when addressing such claims to avoid repeating or amplifying them. Debunking messaging may highlight the body of research demonstrating that COVID-19 vaccines are safe, along with the robust systems in place to monitor vaccine safety. Emphasizing that there is no evidence of serious health concerns associated with COVID-19 vaccines after more than five years of research is recommended, as is directing the public to evidence-based sources for vaccine information.
As measles outbreaks continue to draw national attention, false claims about the severity of measles and the safety of the MMR vaccine are likely to persist. Health communicators may respond by explaining that measles is a serious disease that can cause long-term damage to a child’s immune system. Debunking messaging may emphasize that vaccination is the only safe, proven way to protect against measles, and that acquiring natural immunity through infection exposes children to severe illness, lifelong health complications, and even death. Emphasizing that vaccination is safe and provides lifelong protection against measles is recommended.