Infodemiology.com

Doctor’s testimony falsely claims COVID-19 vaccines are unsafe and ineffective at preventing COVID-19-related deaths

Several viral social media posts are sharing statements from a World Health Organization official who testified that COVID-19 vaccines are unsafe and ineffective at preventing COVID-19-related deaths and that Finland’s former COVID-19 vaccine passport requirements were unethical and unnecessary because COVID-19 vaccines do not prevent COVID-19 transmission. The testimony...

Large independent report on COVID-19 vaccine side effects sparks online conversation

National

Social media users in English and Spanish are discussing a major independent review published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The nonprofit evaluated real-world data, and drew several conclusions, including that although Pfizer and Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines can cause myocarditis in rare cases, they do not...

Anti-vaccine pediatrician spreads false claims about RSV immunization

National

A Spanish pediatrician made a video series spreading false claims about mRNA and RSV vaccines and antibody treatments. In the video, the doctor falsely claims that antibodies and vaccines against RSV are not safe and recommends good nutrition and vitamin C to prevent bronchiolitis (which is often caused by RSV)...

Social media posts spark outrage about “late-term abortions”

Reproductive health

Last week, California Governor Gavin Newsom shared a video which sparked viral conversations about third trimester abortions. Newsom’s social media post included a video in which a news anchor states that he has “never heard of anyone” getting an abortion at 9 months pregnant. In response to Newsom’s...

Kentucky child’s death from fentanyl fuels confusion and conspiracy theories

Opioids

In March, a Kentucky child died after having a suspected allergic reaction to strawberries. The Hopkins County Health Department advised residents to dispose of strawberries purchased at a local school fundraiser out of an abundance of caution, but FDA testing later determined that the strawberries were safe. Last week, the...

Article initiates speculation about the cause of the youth mental health crisis

Mental health

A recent article outlined state and local government efforts to address the surge in mental illness among young people and investigated potential driving forces behind the crisis. In response to the article, political commentator Charlie Kirk shared a viral social media post claiming that COVID-19 lockdowns, political indoctrination in schools,...

Georgia measles cases spark online debate

South

Georgia health officials confirmed a third measles case in the state. The person who contracted measles was unvaccinated and traveled internationally with a group of students. In response to this event, social media users are sharing a variety of false claims. Some are blaming immigrants for the recent rise in...

Posts claim that Dr. Anthony Fauci created COVID-19 virus in Montana lab

West

Last week, several viral social media posts claimed that Dr. Anthony Fauci created the virus that causes COVID-19 in his Montana lab and released the virus in order to sway election results. Recommendation: Responding directly to conspiracy theories may detract from priority talking points. Ensuring that informational materials about COVID-19...

Social media users blame COVID-19 vaccine for former cheerleader’s death

Midwest

A former cheerleader for the Kansas City Chiefs died from sepsis after giving birth to a stillborn baby. Social media users are making the unsubstantiated claim that her death was caused by COVID-19 vaccination. Some are also using the former cheerleader’s death to support the false claims that miscarriage...

Outrage over study finding COVID-19 vaccines aren’t linked to sudden cardiac deaths

National

A new CDC study investigates the risk of sudden cardiac deaths in teens and young adults who received COVID-19 vaccines. The study found no link between the vaccines and sudden cardiac deaths. Vaccine opponents responded to scientific data that contradicts the false claims they have circulated for the last two...