Pending HHS vaccine injury list draws skepticism and excitement

Plus, myths about flu vaccines circulate online as a meningococcal vaccine campaign receives positive attention.

Debates about routine vaccines continued online throughout the first weeks of July. The Department of Health and Human Services sparked controversy by compiling a list of presumed COVID-19 vaccine injuries that would allow people to seek compensation without evidence that a vaccine caused their injury. Meanwhile, the nominee for CDC director evaded questions about recommending flu vaccines for children, drawing criticism from health experts and online commentators. Finally, a meningococcal vaccine campaign prompted discussion about the dangers of the disease and the importance of vaccination.

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What’s trending in vaccine conversations

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is preparing a list of injuries that will be presumed to be caused by COVID-19 vaccines if they occurred during a specific time frame. The list, which is expected to be published in November, would allow people to claim compensation for an alleged COVID-19 vaccine injury without providing evidence of causation. Vaccine skeptics welcomed the move, claiming without evidence that the vaccines caused cancer, strokes, and brain injuries. Critics of the plan questioned HHS’s motives, noted that the U.S. already has an existing vaccine injury compensation program, and expressed concern that the list will be politically driven rather than grounded in scientific evidence.

In recent weeks, misleading claims about the safety and necessity of annual flu vaccines have circulated widely online. Several highly engaged posts claimed that a 2023 study proves flu vaccines increase adults’ risk of dementia, despite the study’s authors concluding that the small observed increase in dementia risk was likely due to other factors. The following week, during a Senate confirmation hearing, the nominee for CDC director was asked whether she would follow orders to stop promoting flu vaccines for children during a severe flu season. The nominee did not answer the question directly, instead stating that she would “always protect our children.” Health experts expressed frustration that she avoided a direct answer and raised concerns about growing distrust in federal health guidance, while vaccine skeptics criticized her for describing mRNA technology as “safe and effective.”

A meningococcal vaccine awareness campaign from GSK, a pharmaceutical company and vaccine manufacturer, is receiving an overwhelmingly positive reception online. The campaign features actors from a popular television show who explain how the disease spreads and highlight the importance of vaccinating children. Commenters praised the ad for raising awareness of meningococcal vaccines and encouraged parents to speak with their pediatrician about getting their child vaccinated.

Read the fact checks: 

• MayoClinic: Debunking COVID-19 myths
• HealthyChildren.org: Protecting Babies & Young Children From Flu: What Parents Need to Know
• Nemours KidsHealth: Meningococcal Vaccine for Kids & Teens

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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.

Claims about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines that are not grounded in scientific evidence may contribute to hesitancy and distrust in vaccine safety systems—particularly when attributed to federal health officials. Health communicators may emphasize that the science has not changed: More than 5 years of research has consistently shown that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and serious side effects are extremely rare. Messaging may explain that COVID-19 vaccines have been extensively tested and monitored worldwide, with no evidence of widespread health concerns. Continue directing the public to evidence-based vaccine information sources, such as the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Vaccine Education Center and the American Academy of Pediatrics—is recommended.

Myths and misconceptions about flu vaccines are widespread and may contribute to hesitancy, which can have severe consequences during severe flu seasons. Communicators may highlight major medical organizations, including the American Lung Association and American Heart Association, continue to recommend flu vaccination to reduce the risk of infection, severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Messaging may explain that there is no evidence that flu vaccines cause or increase the risk of dementia and that the vast majority of research suggests annual vaccination either slightly reduces dementia risk or has no effect on it. Messaging may also emphasize that annual flu vaccination helps protect people of all ages, especially young children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions.

Conflicting claims about the importance of meningococcal vaccines for children and teens may influence parents’ vaccination decisions. Messaging may explain that meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that can cause meningitis, an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Communicators may emphasize that, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommended immunization schedule, all children should receive their first meningococcal vaccine dose at age 11 or 12 and a booster dose at age 16, while children and teens with certain health conditions may need additional doses.