Flu vaccine rollout prompts confusion about benefits and eligibility
Recent conversations illustrate that even those who intend to get the flu vaccine have questions about eligibility, benefits, side effects, and finding one. Plus, in addition to false claims that spread every flu season, a new mRNA vaccine option for older adults is contributing to confusion.
Recent conversations illustrate that even those who intend to get the flu vaccine have questions about eligibility, benefits, side effects, and finding one. Plus, in addition to false claims that spread every flu season, a new mRNA vaccine option for older adults is contributing to confusion.
The practical takeaway
Update your flu vaccine communications to address questions about this season’s options, eligibility, and logistics of getting vaccinated.
What's happening
Two conversations are unfolding as flu season begins: familiar claims questioning flu vaccine safety and practical questions about the newly available mRNA option.
On September 22, an X user alleged that a flu vaccine caused their mother’s death, emphasized extremely rare vaccine side effects, and falsely suggested that flu vaccines contain unsafe mercury levels, among other false claims. The post drew significant attention within the platform, with more than half a million views and roughly 50,000 engagements. Replies included calls to avoid flu vaccination and false claims that vaccines contain “poison.”
Meanwhile, the availability of mFlusiva, an mRNA flu vaccine approved this year for adults 50 and older, sparked discussion online. Some commenters have echoed myths about mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, including false claims that mRNA vaccines “alter DNA” and cause “turbo cancer.” Many social media users expressed skepticism about the benefits of an mRNA vaccine over traditional technology and were confused about what ages are eligible for mFlusiva. Others questioned whether any flu vaccine is “worth” potential side effects, and some older adults reported difficulty accessing the type of flu vaccine they wanted at local pharmacies.
Questions people are asking
- Is the mRNA flu vaccine safe?
- Which flu vaccine(s) am I eligible for?
- I’m 50 or older—why choose the mRNA flu vaccine over my usual vaccination?
- What should I expect after receiving a flu vaccine?
- How can I find a pharmacy that carries the flu vaccine I want?
What you can do
Internal readiness: Help teams understand both new questions about the mRNA flu vaccine and recurrent concerns each season. Spokespeople and health care partners should be ready to explain what flu vaccines are available for different age groups, address how vaccination works, and answer practical questions about accessing flu vaccines nearby. They should also expect typical questions about how flu vaccines are tested and updated each season and be able to explain why the flu vaccine cannot cause the flu.
Clinical coordination: Align with pharmacists and other vaccinators. Share the flu questions and narratives appearing in the monitoring and make sure frontline partners can direct people to clear, current information about available vaccines, eligibility, and where to get vaccinated.
FAQs + web: Audit existing flu vaccine information, ensuring all options are included. Check whether your materials clearly explain who is eligible, what is known about each vaccine’s benefits and side effects, and how people can find flu vaccines nearby. Link to a reliable vaccine locator if one is available.
Public-facing messaging: Focus on the individual and community benefits of vaccination. Emphasize that flu vaccination can help prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and missed work, school, or important activities. Explain that vaccination also helps protect loved ones and vulnerable community members, including newborns, grandparents, and people with weakened immune systems.
Learn more about the Infodemiology Initiative’s monitoring methods.