Posts debate whether vaccines cause autism
Plus, social media users discussed a COVID-19 vaccine study backed by vaccine opponents.
An X post generated debate about vaccines and autism. Another post raised unfounded concerns about COVID-19 vaccines and heart problems.
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On April 21, a France-based X user shared a post stating that the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine does not cause autism, citing a 2019 study. The post received approximately 1.1 million views, 20,000 likes, 4,000 reposts, and 500 comments as of May 20. While some commenters agreed with the post, others claimed without evidence that the study was invalid and falsely claimed that other vaccines cause autism, even if the MMR vaccine does not.
On April 18, a U.K.-based doctor shared an X post about a study that claims to have found that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are more likely to cause heart problems than a COVID-19 infection, refuting previous research. The study was published in a journal known for promoting anti-vaccine conspiracy theories. The post received approximately 237,000 views, 8,700 likes, 5,100 reposts, and 200 comments as of May 20. Many commenters expressed distrust in mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, falsely claiming that they have caused mass death. However, a few commenters noted that the study’s authors are associated with an anti-vaccine group and expressed distrust in its findings.
Recommendations brought to you by the health communication experts behind Infodemiology.com.
Health messaging recommendations
Each week, the Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web and FAQ pages, and developing strategy for messaging about health.
In response to false claims that vaccines cause autism, messaging may emphasize that there is no link between any vaccine and autism, according to decades of research. Autism affects unvaccinated and vaccinated children at the same rate. Messaging may stress that recommended vaccines have been rigorously tested to ensure safety, and they protect children from serious diseases that can cause long-term health problems and death.
Vaccine opponents frequently cherry-pick data to misleadingly claim that COVID-19 vaccines cause heart problems. Communicators may explain that heart problems after COVID-19 vaccination are extremely rare and typically mild, and they usually resolve on their own. Credible research shows that getting sick with COVID-19 is much more likely to cause heart problems than a COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, COVID-19 vaccines have not caused mass death. In fact, they have saved millions of lives.
Messaging may emphasize that all COVID-19 vaccines—including mRNA COVID-19 vaccines—have been rigorously tested and monitored using strict safety standards. Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines prevents severe illness, hospitalization, death, and health complications, including heart problems.