Social media users echo doctor’s false claims about aluminum in vaccines
Other narratives alleged that exposure to certain infections reduces the risk of autoimmune diseases and cancer.
A U.K.-based X account shared a video of a doctor falsely claiming that vaccines contain unsafe amounts of aluminum, generating panic in the comments. Plus, a Portugal-based X account alleged that exposure to chickenpox, measles, and the flu prevents autoimmune diseases and cancer, leading some commenters to falsely suggest that some vaccines are unnecessary.
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On March 7, a U.K.-based X account shared a video of a doctor falsely claiming that vaccines contain unsafe amounts of aluminum. The post received approximately 457,200 views, 18,000 likes, 7,600 reposts, and 170 comments as of March 25. Many commenters agreed with the doctor’s claim, falsely suggesting that vaccines are “poison” and are “murdering everyone.” Some also suggested without evidence that governments and pharmaceutical companies are hiding the dangers of vaccine ingredients.
On March 5, an X post from a Portugal-based account falsely claimed that childhood exposure to chickenpox, measles, and the flu “greatly decreases chances of autoimmune diseases and cancer in adults.” The post received approximately 145,600 views, 4,700 likes, 640 reposts, and 340 comments as of March 25. Several commenters noted that they were exposed to those diseases as children and still developed autoimmune diseases later in life. Others falsely claimed that vaccines for chickenpox, measles, and the flu are unnecessary.
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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.
Vaccine opponents frequently suggest that vaccine adjuvants—which help enhance immune response—are unsafe. Health care providers and public health communicators may explain that all ingredients in vaccines serve a purpose and that all vaccines are tested to ensure safety. Aluminum helps boost the immune response from vaccines, and the amount that is present in vaccines is considerably less than what is found in breast milk and baby formula. Aluminum is also present in a number of foods. We are exposed to more aluminum from our diets than from vaccines.
In response to posts suggesting that certain infections are beneficial, communicators may debunk those claims and emphasize the importance of vaccines. Experts don’t know what causes autoimmune diseases, but research suggests that some viruses can trigger them rather than prevent them. Additionally, there is no evidence that infections like measles prevent cancer. Health care providers and public health communicators may reiterate that getting vaccinated against the chickenpox, measles, and the flu is the safest way to help prevent these potentially dangerous infections and reduce the risk of death and long-term health complications.