The Infodemiology Brief —

Federal vaccine policies cause confusion and transparency concerns

Plus, false claims spread about disease outbreaks and a Lyme disease vaccine.

In recent weeks, online conversations about vaccines have reflected growing uncertainty about federal health policy, public health institutions, and new vaccines. In April and May, federal actions—including ending a longstanding military vaccination requirement and halting research related to vaccine effectiveness—prompted debate about the transparency and credibility of health agencies. At the same time, rising cases of several infectious diseases fueled renewed discussion about the value of vaccination, alongside false claims and conspiracy theories about the origins and spread of these illnesses.

For even more resources, check out the menu above for real-time insights, training resources, and more. Specifically curated for people working in health care and public health, these links provide actionable content to help navigate today’s information landscape.

Trending narratives from the past month

Experts and commenters express concern about the impact of federal vaccine policies on public trust
Since mid-April, several federal actions related to vaccines have generated significant online discussion and debate. First, the U.S. military ended its flu vaccination requirement for personnel, prompting online reactions that included both support for the decision and renewed circulation of myths about flu vaccine safety and effectiveness. Weeks later, reports that the FDA had blocked publication of studies examining the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 and shingles vaccines fueled accusations of censorship and concerns about transparency among researchers, health professionals, and social media users. Finally, on May 29, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the CDC to revise the recommended childhood immunization schedule after a similar effort was blocked in federal court. While the order received relatively little media coverage, it was widely praised by vaccine opponents and sparked discussion in public health circles about the future of federal vaccine policy. Read the fact checks here.

Hantavirus, Ebola, and mpox cases fuel infectious disease “fatigue” online
News about several infectious disease outbreaks dominated news headlines—and online discourse—throughout May. Early in the month, social media users reacted to reports of hantavirus cases linked to a cruise ship voyage, with some falsely claiming that hantavirus infections are caused by COVID-19 vaccination. By mid-May, attention shifted to the growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency of international concern. The declaration set off a wave of concern and conspiracy theories as social media users feared that Ebola would be the “next pandemic.” Meanwhile, several U.S. states reported cases of mpox, leading some online to express “fatigue” over outbreak news and recycle the disproven claim that mpox is linked to COVID-19 vaccines. Read the fact checks here and here.

Online conversations about Lyme disease highlight growing distrust in new vaccines
On June 1, the Department of Health and Human Services announced plans to reduce tick populations and address the spread of tick-borne diseases. The announcement came amid growing public awareness of Lyme disease and alpha-gal syndrome, a severe allergy to red meat and dairy products that can develop after certain tick bites. Online discussions quickly expanded beyond tick-borne illness prevention, with some social media users falsely claiming that ticks carrying alpha-gal syndrome are being intentionally released to increase demand for a Lyme disease vaccine. Similar conspiracy theories circulated after researchers reported promising results from a clinical trial showing that an investigational Lyme disease vaccine was over 70 percent effective. The conversations reflected broader skepticism about public health institutions and vaccine development, with some users questioning the motives behind efforts to prevent and treat tick-borne diseases. Read the fact checks here and here.

What you might say in response

Routine vaccines are safe, rigorously tested, and provide protection.

  • Vaccines undergo years of rigorous testing before approval and continue to be monitored for safety for as long as they are in use. Few medical interventions are studied as extensively as vaccines. 
  • Major medical organizations, including the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Heart Association, continue to recommend annual flu vaccination based on decades of evidence showing that it is safe and reduces the risk of infection, severe illness, hospitalization, and death. 
  • The shingles vaccine is safe and more than 90 percent effective at preventing shingles and its complications. Research also suggests it may reduce your risk of a heart attack, stroke, and dementia. Adults ages 50 and older, as well as people with weakened immune systems, should receive two doses for lasting protection. 
  • COVID-19 vaccination remains one of the best ways to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, long COVID, and death for people ages 6 months and older.

Infectious diseases can emerge anywhere. Public health alerts help communities stay informed and prepared.

  • Public health warnings may seem alarming, but they’re designed to help people understand potential health risks and take appropriate precautions.
  • Global health authorities monitor infectious diseases worldwide and provide guidance when outbreaks may pose a public health concern.
  • Hantavirus currently poses a very low risk to the American public. Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare and typically requires close, prolonged contact. 
  • Although the Ebola outbreak in the Congo is growing, the risk to Americans is low. The WHO has stated that the outbreak does not pose a pandemic risk.  
  • The risk of mpox to the general public remains low and is primarily limited to people who have traveled to affected areas or had close or intimate contact with someone who is infected.

Tick-borne illnesses are increasing. Take steps to protect yourself outdoors.

  • Tick-borne diseases have become more common in recent years as tick populations expand into new geographic areas.
  • Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread through tick bites. If left untreated, it can affect multiple organs and lead to serious health complications.
  • Alpha-gal syndrome is a potentially severe allergic condition that can develop after certain tick bites. People with alpha-gal syndrome may experience allergic reactions after consuming mammalian products such as beef, pork, or dairy.
  • Protect against tick-borne diseases in wooded and grassy areas by wearing long sleeves and long pants tucked into your socks, using an EPA-registered insect repellent, checking your skin and clothing for ticks, removing attached ticks promptly, showering after outdoor activities, and drying clothes on high heat before washing.

What we’re reading

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Studies and trainings

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