Social media posts draw attention to mental health services for BIPOC and women
Mental healthJuly is Minority Mental Health Month, also known as BIPOC Mental Health Month. In the past week, several social media posts and blog posts c...
Past insights
Study finding lead in tampons incites panic online
Reproductive healthA recent study found that tampons from popular brands in the U.S. contain arsenic, lead, and other toxic substances. The researchers wrote,...
Popular social media posts generate conversation about fentanyl
OpioidsA recent Instagram post and a Reddit thread have sparked online conversation about fentanyl. On July 3, the CDC shared an image on Instagram...
Social media users celebrate Tennessee woman’s win of a settlement for refusing a COVID-19 vaccine
SouthLast week, a Tennessee woman who had been fired from Blue Cross Blue Shield for refusing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine won a $700,000 settle...
Another human bird flu case generates conversation about potential bird flu vaccines
WestOn July 3, a Colorado dairy farm worker became the fourth person to contract H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. this year. The person only reported e...
Wisconsin whooping cough guidance causes controversy
MidwestLast week, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WDHS) announced that as of July 1, the state had 126 cases of whooping cough—more th...
The Supreme Court upholds Connecticut’s school vaccine requirements, sparking online debate
NortheastOn June 24, the Supreme Court rejected a challenge to a 2021 Connecticut law that does not allow religious exemptions for vaccine mandates i...
Social media users celebrate Tennessee woman’s win of a settlement for refusing a COVID-19 vaccine
SouthLast week, a Tennessee woman who had been fired from Blue Cross Blue Shield for refusing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine won a $700,000 settle...
Another human bird flu case generates conversation about potential bird flu vaccines
WestOn July 3, a Colorado dairy farm worker became the fourth person to contract H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. this year. The person only reported e...
Wisconsin whooping cough guidance causes controversy
MidwestLast week, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WDHS) announced that as of July 1, the state had 126 cases of whooping cough—more th...
The Supreme Court upholds Connecticut’s school vaccine requirements, sparking online debate
NortheastOn June 24, the Supreme Court rejected a challenge to a 2021 Connecticut law that does not allow religious exemptions for vaccine mandates i...
Social media users debate the effect of gun violence on mental health
Mental healthOn June 25, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory declaring that gun violence is a public health emergency and cited data demonstr...
Spike in Texas infant deaths sparks debate about abortion restrictions
Reproductive healthA recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that after Texas banned abortions after six weeks of pregnancy with no exceptions for cong...
Social media post warns that Narcan is less effective when stored in hot environments
OpioidsOn June 22, a post on X warned that “Narcan is less effective when put in high temperatures and exposed to sunlight,” and encouraged readers...
Florida mother calls attention to alleged COVID-19 vaccine injuries with proposed Cody’s Law
SouthA Florida mother proposed a bill called Cody’s Law that would allow people with alleged COVID-19 vaccine injuries to receive expedited Medic...
Social media users express frustration with low MMR vaccination rates in Colorado
WestIn multiple news articles last week, Colorado public health officials urged residents to stay up to date on recommended vaccines as outbreak...
Images of alleged vaccine-related blood clots circulate online
NationalImages and videos of large blood clots that are allegedly linked to COVID-19 vaccines have resurfaced online. These images are circulating w...
Social media users support New York midwife who destroyed COVID-19 vaccines and distributed fake cards
NortheastLast week, a New York midwife pleaded guilty to destroying 2,600 COVID-19 vaccines, distributing a corresponding number of fake COVID-19 vac...
Minneapolis photojournalist who claims to have been injured by a COVID-19 vaccine garners support online
MidwestAn article on a conspiracy news website recently shared the story of a Minneapolis photojournalist who claims to be experiencing weakness, h...
Kansas lawsuit against Pfizer sparks conversations on COVID-19 vaccine safety
NationalThe Kansas attorney general is suing Pfizer for misrepresenting COVID-19 vaccine safety and covering up risks, specifically pregnancy compli...
Posts circulate myths about hepatitis B vaccines for infants
NationalSeveral large social media accounts are circulating false claims about hepatitis B vaccines, including myths that the vaccine is unsafe and...
Florida mother calls attention to alleged COVID-19 vaccine injuries with proposed Cody’s Law
SouthA Florida mother proposed a bill called Cody’s Law that would allow people with alleged COVID-19 vaccine injuries to receive expedited Medic...
Social media users express frustration with low MMR vaccination rates in Colorado
WestIn multiple news articles last week, Colorado public health officials urged residents to stay up to date on recommended vaccines as outbreak...
Social media users support New York midwife who destroyed COVID-19 vaccines and distributed fake cards
NortheastLast week, a New York midwife pleaded guilty to destroying 2,600 COVID-19 vaccines, distributing a corresponding number of fake COVID-19 vac...
Minneapolis photojournalist who claims to have been injured by a COVID-19 vaccine garners support online
MidwestAn article on a conspiracy news website recently shared the story of a Minneapolis photojournalist who claims to be experiencing weakness, h...
Posts circulate myths about hepatitis B vaccines for infants
NationalSeveral large social media accounts are circulating false claims about hepatitis B vaccines, including myths that the vaccine is unsafe and...
Images of alleged vaccine-related blood clots circulate online
NationalImages and videos of large blood clots that are allegedly linked to COVID-19 vaccines have resurfaced online. These images are circulating w...
Kansas lawsuit against Pfizer sparks conversations on COVID-19 vaccine safety
NationalThe Kansas attorney general is suing Pfizer for misrepresenting COVID-19 vaccine safety and covering up risks, specifically pregnancy compli...
Viral social media post calls attention to eating disorders in men
Mental healthThis week, a celebrity news website reported on the singer Usher’s strict exercise routine and diet, which involves intermittent fasting. A...
Supreme Court mifepristone decision causes celebration online
Reproductive healthOn June 13, the Supreme Court voted to uphold access to the abortion pill mifepristone. Voting against this case would have reversed the FDA...
Georgia “health freedom” group shares 2018 social media post falsely claiming that vaccination during pregnancy is unsafe
SouthA “health freedom” group in Georgia recently shared a 2018 social media post criticizing the Electronic Fetal Death Registration System for...
Social media users support Los Angeles workers suing city after losing work due to vaccine refusal
WestOn June 11, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted to remove the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for city employees. Employees who were pre...
Safer consumption kits in Maine receive backlash online
OpioidsMaine Access Points, a harm reduction program in Maine, is facing criticism on news websites and on social media after promoting safer consu...
Social media users support New York nurse who sold fake COVID-19 vaccine cards
NortheastOn June 11, a former nurse practitioner in New York was sentenced to 840 hours of community service and five years of probation for selling...
Viral social media post demands support for Ohio bill that would prevent discrimination based on vaccination status
MidwestA recent social media post from an anti-vaccine account shared a story of a pharmacist who claims to have developed Guillain-Barré syndrome...
Online discussions of combination flu-COVID-19 vaccine turns negative
NationalOn June 10, Moderna reported positive results from a late-stage clinical trial of a combination mRNA-based flu and COVID-19 vaccine for adul...
Social media posts react to report on Pentagon anti-vaccine campaign against China
NationalSocial media posts in both English and Spanish reacted to Reuters’s report about a clandestine Pentagon anti-vaccine campaign to discredit C...
Posts spread opposition to routine vaccines
NationalSeveral popular posts attacking routine vaccines are circulating online. Vaccine opponents continue to misrepresent the 9th Circuit Court of...
Viral social media post demands support for Ohio bill that would prevent discrimination based on vaccination status
MidwestA recent social media post from an anti-vaccine account shared a story of a pharmacist who claims to have developed Guillain-Barré syndrome...
Georgia “health freedom” group shares 2018 social media post falsely claiming that vaccination during pregnancy is unsafe
SouthA “health freedom” group in Georgia recently shared a 2018 social media post criticizing the Electronic Fetal Death Registration System for...
Social media users support Los Angeles workers suing city after losing work due to vaccine refusal
WestOn June 11, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted to remove the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for city employees. Employees who were pre...
Social media users support New York nurse who sold fake COVID-19 vaccine cards
NortheastOn June 11, a former nurse practitioner in New York was sentenced to 840 hours of community service and five years of probation for selling...
Online discussions of combination flu-COVID-19 vaccine turns negative
NationalOn June 10, Moderna reported positive results from a late-stage clinical trial of a combination mRNA-based flu and COVID-19 vaccine for adul...
Posts spread opposition to routine vaccines
NationalSeveral popular posts attacking routine vaccines are circulating online. Vaccine opponents continue to misrepresent the 9th Circuit Court of...
Social media posts react to report on Pentagon anti-vaccine campaign against China
NationalSocial media posts in both English and Spanish reacted to Reuters’s report about a clandestine Pentagon anti-vaccine campaign to discredit C...
Social media users praise soccer icon Lionel Messi for destigmatizing mental health treatment
Mental healthLast week, multiple sports news outlets reported that professional soccer player Lionel Messi recently opened up about his experience seekin...
STAT series investigates sterilization surgeries in sickle cell patients
Reproductive healthIn a recent series of investigative articles, STAT reported that many pregnant people with sickle cell disease have received tubal ligations...
Articles call attention to overdose deaths among Black men in Baltimore
OpioidsLast week, the New York Times and the Baltimore Banner reported that Black men in their “mid-50s to early 70s” in Baltimore account for near...
Texas researchers identify anti-vaccine arguments that have influenced public policy
SouthA team of researchers from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and The Immunization Partnership recently reviewed witness st...
California health officials warn of possible whooping cough outbreak
WestThe California Department of Public Health recently warned of a possible whooping cough outbreak in the state as cases rise across the count...
New Jersey measles case prompts questions about MMR vaccine safety and effectiveness
NortheastLast week, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) reported a case of measles in a New Jersey resident who had recently traveled interna...
Social media posts recirculate Ohio State University study to falsely claim that COVID-19 vaccines increase COVID-19-related death risk
MidwestLast week, several vaccine opponents with large social media platforms cited an Ohio State University study to falsely claim that COVID-19 v...
Posts falsely claim that an appeals court ruled that COVID-19 vaccines aren’t vaccines
NationalThe 9th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the dismissal of a lawsuit against the state of California over the now-expired COVID-19 vaccine...
New study used to falsely link COVID-19 vaccines to excess deaths
NationalA new study published in BMJ assessed data from 47 countries from Our World in Data between 2020 and 2022, finding a total of three million...
California health officials warn of possible whooping cough outbreak
WestThe California Department of Public Health recently warned of a possible whooping cough outbreak in the state as cases rise across the count...
New long COVID study reignites conversation about condition
NationalA new study found that 7 percent of U.S. adults have had long COVID. Among its findings, the study discovered that women were more likely to...
Social media posts recirculate Ohio State University study to falsely claim that COVID-19 vaccines increase COVID-19-related death risk
MidwestLast week, several vaccine opponents with large social media platforms cited an Ohio State University study to falsely claim that COVID-19 v...
Texas researchers identify anti-vaccine arguments that have influenced public policy
SouthA team of researchers from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and The Immunization Partnership recently reviewed witness st...
New Jersey measles case prompts questions about MMR vaccine safety and effectiveness
NortheastLast week, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) reported a case of measles in a New Jersey resident who had recently traveled interna...
New study used to falsely link COVID-19 vaccines to excess deaths
NationalA new study published in BMJ assessed data from 47 countries from Our World in Data between 2020 and 2022, finding a total of three million...
Posts falsely claim that an appeals court ruled that COVID-19 vaccines aren’t vaccines
NationalThe 9th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the dismissal of a lawsuit against the state of California over the now-expired COVID-19 vaccine...
New long COVID study reignites conversation about condition
NationalA new study found that 7 percent of U.S. adults have had long COVID. Among its findings, the study discovered that women were more likely to...
Wisconsin meningitis vaccine mandate for students receives mixed reactions on social media
MidwestIn May, Wisconsin health officials reinstituted a meningitis vaccine requirement for students entering 7th grade and a booster for students...
CDC letter says cutting city funding to Philadelphia SSPs could result in an HIV outbreak
OpioidsAfter Philadelphia's mayor proposed cutting funding for the city’s syringe services programs (SSPs), the CDC sent a letter to the direct...
Social media posts about Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month encourage men to seek support and share their stories
Mental healthJune is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, and recent social media posts about men’s mental health gained widespread attention across...
New breastfeeding guidelines for HIV-positive birthing parents cause confusion on social media
Reproductive healthThe American Academy of Pediatrics issued new guidelines stating that HIV-positive birthing parents can safely breastfeed if they are underg...
Preprint study shares misleading claims about COVID-19 vaccines and cardiac arrest deaths
WestA preprint study authored by several known opponents of the COVID-19 vaccines claims to have found an association between an increase in COV...
False claims about mRNA vaccines resurface in response to bird flu research
NortheastResearchers at the University of Pennsylvania are developing an mRNA vaccine for the H5N1 bird flu. The vaccine—which was tested in mice and...
Social media post about Kentucky pertussis outbreak receives anti-vaccine backlash
SouthFormer U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams shared a social media post using the pertussis outbreak in Kentucky to illustrate the resurgence of...
COVID-19 vaccine opponents promote the myth that vaccines cause autism
NationalSeveral popular vaccine opponents are repeating the old myth that COVID-19 vaccines and other routine immunizations are linked to autism, ci...
Viral post highlights vaccination requirements for organ transplants
NationalA viral post claims that the Mayo Clinic rejected a lung transplant patient until they received COVID-19 vaccination. Although the original...
Posts claim heart inflammation only occurs after COVID-19 vaccination
NationalA preprint Oxford University study examined outcomes after Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination among children and adolescents in the U.K. The study...
Wisconsin meningitis vaccine mandate for students receives mixed reactions on social media
MidwestIn May, Wisconsin health officials reinstituted a meningitis vaccine requirement for students entering 7th grade and a booster for students...
Social media post about Kentucky pertussis outbreak receives anti-vaccine backlash
SouthFormer U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams shared a social media post using the pertussis outbreak in Kentucky to illustrate the resurgence of...
Preprint study shares misleading claims about COVID-19 vaccines and cardiac arrest deaths
WestA preprint study authored by several known opponents of the COVID-19 vaccines claims to have found an association between an increase in COV...
False claims about mRNA vaccines resurface in response to bird flu research
NortheastResearchers at the University of Pennsylvania are developing an mRNA vaccine for the H5N1 bird flu. The vaccine—which was tested in mice and...
COVID-19 vaccine opponents promote the myth that vaccines cause autism
NationalSeveral popular vaccine opponents are repeating the old myth that COVID-19 vaccines and other routine immunizations are linked to autism, ci...
Viral post highlights vaccination requirements for organ transplants
NationalA viral post claims that the Mayo Clinic rejected a lung transplant patient until they received COVID-19 vaccination. Although the original...
Posts claim heart inflammation only occurs after COVID-19 vaccination
NationalA preprint Oxford University study examined outcomes after Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination among children and adolescents in the U.K. The study...
Older Americans Month emphasizes how social connections benefit older adults
Mental healthMay is Older Americans Month, “a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to s...
Maternal Mental Health Task Force recommends postpartum depression interventions
Reproductive healthLast week, the Maternal Mental Health Task Force recommended creating maternity care centers to combat the maternal mental health crisis, as...
Utah woman who claims she became disabled after a COVID-19 vaccine trial sues AstraZeneca
WestA Utah woman who claims she became disabled after participating in AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine trial is suing AstraZeneca. She claims tha...
Decline in overdose deaths prompts online conversations about harm reduction
OpioidsLast week, multiple media outlets reported that overdose deaths in the United States have declined slightly for the first time in five years...
Michigan ‘health freedom’ group alleges that a 17-year-old girl died after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine
MidwestLast week, a “health freedom” group in Michigan shared a social media post claiming, without evidence, that a 17-year-old girl died shortly...
Social media users celebrate bills opposing public health measures
SouthLouisiana recently passed a bill that would ban the World Health Organization, United Nations, and World Economic Forum from having “any jur...
Viral social media posts highlight the importance of whooping cough vaccines
NortheastLast week, a New York-based social media user with a large following shared a viral series of posts celebrating the importance of vaccines....
Study finds that COVID-19 is still deadlier than the flu
NationalA new JAMA study found that COVID-19 remains deadlier than the flu, with 35 percent higher mortality in hospitalized patients between Octobe...
Utah woman who claims she became disabled after a COVID-19 vaccine trial sues AstraZeneca
WestA Utah woman who claims she became disabled after participating in AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine trial is suing AstraZeneca. She claims tha...
Misleading claims about doctors being “bribed” to give COVID-19 vaccines resurface
NationalSeveral social media posts in both English and Spanish resurfaced the misleading claim that health insurance programs “bribed” doctors to ad...
Shooting of Slovakian prime minister falsely linked to WHO pandemic treaty
NationalA conspiracy theory circulating in English and Spanish claims without evidence that a recent assassination attempt on Slovakia’s prime minis...
Michigan ‘health freedom’ group alleges that a 17-year-old girl died after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine
MidwestLast week, a “health freedom” group in Michigan shared a social media post claiming, without evidence, that a 17-year-old girl died shortly...
Social media users celebrate bills opposing public health measures
SouthLouisiana recently passed a bill that would ban the World Health Organization, United Nations, and World Economic Forum from having “any jur...
Viral social media posts highlight the importance of whooping cough vaccines
NortheastLast week, a New York-based social media user with a large following shared a viral series of posts celebrating the importance of vaccines....
Misleading claims about doctors being “bribed” to give COVID-19 vaccines resurface
NationalSeveral social media posts in both English and Spanish resurfaced the misleading claim that health insurance programs “bribed” doctors to ad...
Shooting of Slovakian prime minister falsely linked to WHO pandemic treaty
NationalA conspiracy theory circulating in English and Spanish claims without evidence that a recent assassination attempt on Slovakia’s prime minis...
Study finds that COVID-19 is still deadlier than the flu
NationalA new JAMA study found that COVID-19 remains deadlier than the flu, with 35 percent higher mortality in hospitalized patients between Octobe...
Viral tweet falsely claims that gender-affirming health care causes children to die by suicide
Mental healthA recent viral social media post from psychologist and author Jordan Peterson falsely claimed that gender-affirming health care causes child...
Louisiana bill reclassifies abortion pills as controlled dangerous substances
Reproductive healthThis week, Louisiana legislators introduced a bill that would criminalize giving abortion pills to a pregnant person without the pregnant pe...
Last Week Tonight calls attention to harm reduction programs
OpioidsOn a recent episode of the late-night television show Last Week Tonight, host John Oliver discussed opioid settlement funds. Oliver argued t...
Texas school board votes to remove “controversial” topics—including vaccines—from textbooks
SouthLast week, a school board in Cypress, Texas, voted to remove a list of “controversial” topics from textbooks. Banned topics include vaccines...
Social media post claims Pfizer is developing bird flu vaccine after Colorado dairy farmers were exposed to the virus
WestA recent viral social media post included a video of a Colorado representative who said that the state is monitoring dairy farmers who were...
News anchor claims to be taking ivermectin daily to treat long COVID
NortheastLast week, a news anchor said on a podcast that he has been taking ivermectin daily to treat long COVID, despite having spoken out against i...
Ohio doctor who promoted false claims about COVID-19 vaccine safety has medical license reinstated
MidwestAn Ohio doctor whose medical license was suspended last year after she promoted false claims about vaccine safety had her medical license re...
Researchers study a potential universal coronavirus vaccine
NationalA team of researchers from Cambridge, Oxford, and CalTech universities has developed an experimental vaccine that may have the potential to...
Spanish-language posts resurface misleading claims about COVID-19 vaccine side effects
NationalSeveral Spanish-language social media users known for spreading vaccine misinformation resurfaced a Pfizer document claiming that it shows a...
Posts revive the misleading claim that Pfizer staff got “special” COVID-19 vaccines
NationalAn allegedly leaked email from 2021 claims to show evidence that U.S. Pfizer employees received different COVID-19 vaccines than the general...
Social media post claims Pfizer is developing bird flu vaccine after Colorado dairy farmers were exposed to the virus
WestA recent viral social media post included a video of a Colorado representative who said that the state is monitoring dairy farmers who were...
Ohio doctor who promoted false claims about COVID-19 vaccine safety has medical license reinstated
MidwestAn Ohio doctor whose medical license was suspended last year after she promoted false claims about vaccine safety had her medical license re...
Texas school board votes to remove “controversial” topics—including vaccines—from textbooks
SouthLast week, a school board in Cypress, Texas, voted to remove a list of “controversial” topics from textbooks. Banned topics include vaccines...
News anchor claims to be taking ivermectin daily to treat long COVID
NortheastLast week, a news anchor said on a podcast that he has been taking ivermectin daily to treat long COVID, despite having spoken out against i...
Spanish-language posts resurface misleading claims about COVID-19 vaccine side effects
NationalSeveral Spanish-language social media users known for spreading vaccine misinformation resurfaced a Pfizer document claiming that it shows a...
Posts revive the misleading claim that Pfizer staff got “special” COVID-19 vaccines
NationalAn allegedly leaked email from 2021 claims to show evidence that U.S. Pfizer employees received different COVID-19 vaccines than the general...
Researchers study a potential universal coronavirus vaccine
NationalA team of researchers from Cambridge, Oxford, and CalTech universities has developed an experimental vaccine that may have the potential to...
Widespread overdoses in Austin, Texas, initiate online conversation about naloxone
OpioidsLast week in Austin, Texas, police launched an investigation after widespread overdoses due to opioids and other drugs resulted in multiple...
New York Times article highlights challenges with youth mental health education
Mental healthA recent New York Times article highlighted research suggesting that youth mental health education campaigns in schools are not helping youn...
Arizona repeals 1864 law banning nearly all abortions
Reproductive healthLast week, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed a repeal of the state’s 1864 law banning nearly all abortions. The repeal will take effect 90...
University of Florida clinical trial prompts social media users to express concerns about mRNA technology
SouthA recent University of Florida clinical trial found that a newly-developed mRNA cancer vaccine was able to reprogram patients’ immune system...
Social media post falsely claims that COVID-19 vaccines have injured more than 10 million people
WestFollowing a New York Times article about COVID-19 vaccine injuries, a well-known vaccine opponent in California falsely claimed on social me...
Social media users accuse New York City mayor of corruption due to COVID-19 vaccine mandates
NortheastAt a town hall meeting with New York City’s mayor, an audience member reported the mayor said “it was un-American” to not allow migrants to...
Article about Ohio bill initiates debate about vaccine mandates
MidwestLast week, the Ohio Capitol Journal published an article about HB 319—the “Conscientious Right to Refuse Act”—which would prevent employers...
Post spreads false claims about COVID-19 vaccine safety and its ingredients
NationalA social media user falsely claimed that the vaccines the CDC recommends for babies “include toxic heavy metals and known carcinogens.” The...
Study finds that WHO’s vaccine program saved 154 million lives in the last 50 years
NationalA new study quantified the global impact of WHO’s Expanded Programme on Immunization on the 50th anniversary of the program’s inception. The...
Social media post falsely claims that COVID-19 vaccines have injured more than 10 million people
WestFollowing a New York Times article about COVID-19 vaccine injuries, a well-known vaccine opponent in California falsely claimed on social me...
Misleading claims about AstraZeneca blood clot risk
NationalVaccine manufacturer AstraZeneca acknowledged in court documents from an ongoing lawsuit in the U.K. that the blood-clotting condition throm...
Social media users accuse New York City mayor of corruption due to COVID-19 vaccine mandates
NortheastAt a town hall meeting with New York City’s mayor, an audience member reported the mayor said “it was un-American” to not allow migrants to...
Article about Ohio bill initiates debate about vaccine mandates
MidwestLast week, the Ohio Capitol Journal published an article about HB 319—the “Conscientious Right to Refuse Act”—which would prevent employers...
University of Florida clinical trial prompts social media users to express concerns about mRNA technology
SouthA recent University of Florida clinical trial found that a newly-developed mRNA cancer vaccine was able to reprogram patients’ immune system...
Post spreads false claims about COVID-19 vaccine safety and its ingredients
NationalA social media user falsely claimed that the vaccines the CDC recommends for babies “include toxic heavy metals and known carcinogens.” The...
Study finds that WHO’s vaccine program saved 154 million lives in the last 50 years
NationalA new study quantified the global impact of WHO’s Expanded Programme on Immunization on the 50th anniversary of the program’s inception. The...
Misleading claims about AstraZeneca blood clot risk
NationalVaccine manufacturer AstraZeneca acknowledged in court documents from an ongoing lawsuit in the U.K. that the blood-clotting condition throm...
NFL player’s suicide initiates conversation about men’s mental health and false vaccine claims
Mental healthLast week, a National Football League player died by suicide at 28 years old. His death sparked conversation on social media about men’s men...
Tennessee’s Baby Olivia Act receives mixed reactions on social media
Reproductive healthLast week, Tennessee's governor signed into law the Baby Olivia Act, which will require Tennessee schools to show students a video about...
Country music artist shares support for harm reduction in Rolling Stone article
OpioidsLast week, a Rolling Stone article celebrated country music artists who are singing and speaking about the opioid crisis and their own exper...
Social media users promote false claims about whooping cough vaccines
SouthA local South Carolina news station reported that multiple cases of whooping cough have been identified at multiple schools. Comments on the...
Comments on article support Arizona resolution to declare COVID-19 vaccines biological weapons
WestA recent article reported that the Arizona Republican Party passed a resolution that “declares the COVID-19 injections to be biological and...
Posts claim that patients are denied medical treatment due to their vaccination status
NortheastMultiple social media posts in English and Spanish are circulating misleading claims that people who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine ar...
Social media users celebrate news coverage of alleged mRNA vaccine injuries
MidwestLast week, a viral social media post shared a video clip from a Minnesota news segment about people who claim to have experienced severe adv...
Study flags small seizure risk from pediatric COVID-19 vaccines
NationalA new study flagged two potential safety concerns associated with pediatric monovalent COVID-19 vaccines: heart inflammation myocarditis aft...
Spanish-language post spreads false claims about COVID-19 vaccine safety
NationalA Spanish-language social media user reposted a video from a well-known anti-vaccine doctor and spread false claims about COVID-19 vaccine s...
Posts celebrate World Immunization Day and National Infant Immunization Week
NationalPost in English and Spanish recognized National Infant Immunization Week and World Immunization Week. Health departments, government entitie...
Comments on article support Arizona resolution to declare COVID-19 vaccines biological weapons
WestA recent article reported that the Arizona Republican Party passed a resolution that “declares the COVID-19 injections to be biological and...
Social media users celebrate news coverage of alleged mRNA vaccine injuries
MidwestLast week, a viral social media post shared a video clip from a Minnesota news segment about people who claim to have experienced severe adv...
Social media users promote false claims about whooping cough vaccines
SouthA local South Carolina news station reported that multiple cases of whooping cough have been identified at multiple schools. Comments on the...
Posts claim that patients are denied medical treatment due to their vaccination status
NortheastMultiple social media posts in English and Spanish are circulating misleading claims that people who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine ar...
Study flags small seizure risk from pediatric COVID-19 vaccines
NationalA new study flagged two potential safety concerns associated with pediatric monovalent COVID-19 vaccines: heart inflammation myocarditis aft...
Spanish-language post spreads false claims about COVID-19 vaccine safety
NationalA Spanish-language social media user reposted a video from a well-known anti-vaccine doctor and spread false claims about COVID-19 vaccine s...
Posts celebrate World Immunization Day and National Infant Immunization Week
NationalPost in English and Spanish recognized National Infant Immunization Week and World Immunization Week. Health departments, government entitie...
Emergency abortion care legislation in California sparks online conversation
Reproductive healthThis week, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced emergency legislation that will permit physicians from Arizona to provide reproductive...
Article on ADHD medication shortage fuels online conversation about unproven alternative treatments
Mental healthLast week, a BBC article about the ADHD medication shortage began circulating on multiple social media platforms. In response to the article...
Louisiana vaccine bills spark conversation about COVID-19 vaccine safety for infants
SouthOne of several vaccine-related bills recently introduced in Louisiana is generating conversation online. Bill HB288 would require all autops...
Newsletter falsely links higher vaccination rates to COVID-19-related deaths
WestAn anti-vaccine newsletter republished part of an article from a San Jose, California, newspaper about an analysis by its publisher alleging...
Survey finds few college students know how to administer naloxone
OpioidsA recent survey of U.S. college students published in JAMA Pediatrics found that while more than half of the students surveyed could correct...
Article on Iowa’s anti-mRNA vaccine movement leads to online debate
MidwestA recent article in The Iowa Standard reported on a growing movement among Iowa politicians and health care professionals to remove mRNA COV...
New Hampshire law eliminating daycare vaccine requirements sparks conversation online
NortheastNew Hampshire’s House passed a bill that would eliminate the requirement for proof of polio and measles vaccines for children in daycare. If...
Large independent report on COVID-19 vaccine side effects sparks online conversation
NationalSocial media users in English and Spanish are discussing a major independent review published by the National Academies of Sciences, Enginee...
Doctor’s testimony falsely claims COVID-19 vaccines are unsafe and ineffective at preventing COVID-19-related deaths
NationalSeveral viral social media posts are sharing statements from a World Health Organization official who testified that COVID-19 vaccines are u...
Newsletter falsely links higher vaccination rates to COVID-19-related deaths
WestAn anti-vaccine newsletter republished part of an article from a San Jose, California, newspaper about an analysis by its publisher alleging...
Anti-vaccine pediatrician spreads false claims about RSV immunization
NationalA Spanish pediatrician made a video series spreading false claims about mRNA and RSV vaccines and antibody treatments. In the video, the doc...
Louisiana vaccine bills spark conversation about COVID-19 vaccine safety for infants
SouthOne of several vaccine-related bills recently introduced in Louisiana is generating conversation online. Bill HB288 would require all autops...
New Hampshire law eliminating daycare vaccine requirements sparks conversation online
NortheastNew Hampshire’s House passed a bill that would eliminate the requirement for proof of polio and measles vaccines for children in daycare. If...
Article on Iowa’s anti-mRNA vaccine movement leads to online debate
MidwestA recent article in The Iowa Standard reported on a growing movement among Iowa politicians and health care professionals to remove mRNA COV...
Doctor’s testimony falsely claims COVID-19 vaccines are unsafe and ineffective at preventing COVID-19-related deaths
NationalSeveral viral social media posts are sharing statements from a World Health Organization official who testified that COVID-19 vaccines are u...
Large independent report on COVID-19 vaccine side effects sparks online conversation
NationalSocial media users in English and Spanish are discussing a major independent review published by the National Academies of Sciences, Enginee...
Anti-vaccine pediatrician spreads false claims about RSV immunization
NationalA Spanish pediatrician made a video series spreading false claims about mRNA and RSV vaccines and antibody treatments. In the video, the doc...
Social media posts spark outrage about “late-term abortions”
Reproductive healthLast week, California Governor Gavin Newsom shared a video which sparked viral conversations about third trimester abortions. Newsom’s socia...
Kentucky child’s death from fentanyl fuels confusion and conspiracy theories
OpioidsIn March, a Kentucky child died after having a suspected allergic reaction to strawberries. The Hopkins County Health Department advised res...
Article initiates speculation about the cause of the youth mental health crisis
Mental healthA recent article outlined state and local government efforts to address the surge in mental illness among young people and investigated pote...
Georgia measles cases spark online debate
SouthGeorgia health officials confirmed a third measles case in the state. The person who contracted measles was unvaccinated and traveled intern...
Posts claim that Dr. Anthony Fauci created COVID-19 virus in Montana lab
WestLast week, several viral social media posts claimed that Dr. Anthony Fauci created the virus that causes COVID-19 in his Montana lab and rel...
Social media users blame COVID-19 vaccine for former cheerleader’s death
MidwestA former cheerleader for the Kansas City Chiefs died from sepsis after giving birth to a stillborn baby. Social media users are making the u...
Outrage over study finding COVID-19 vaccines aren’t linked to sudden cardiac deaths
NationalA new CDC study investigates the risk of sudden cardiac deaths in teens and young adults who received COVID-19 vaccines. The study found no...
New Jersey parenting group sparks online conversation about proposed school health code changes
NortheastLast week, a group called Innovative Parenting New Jersey hosted a livestream event on social media to discuss proposed health code changes...
Vaccine opponents spread false claims about bird flu
NationalSeveral prominent vaccine opponents posted false claims about bird flu online, in both English and Spanish. Some of the false claims include...
Posts claim that Dr. Anthony Fauci created COVID-19 virus in Montana lab
WestLast week, several viral social media posts claimed that Dr. Anthony Fauci created the virus that causes COVID-19 in his Montana lab and rel...
Japan protest resurfaces false claims about COVID-19 and WHO pandemic treaty
NationalVaccine opponents, posting in both English and Spanish, are sharing images of a Japan protest against the World Health Organization’s pandem...
Social media users blame COVID-19 vaccine for former cheerleader’s death
MidwestA former cheerleader for the Kansas City Chiefs died from sepsis after giving birth to a stillborn baby. Social media users are making the u...
Georgia measles cases spark online debate
SouthGeorgia health officials confirmed a third measles case in the state. The person who contracted measles was unvaccinated and traveled intern...
New Jersey parenting group sparks online conversation about proposed school health code changes
NortheastLast week, a group called Innovative Parenting New Jersey hosted a livestream event on social media to discuss proposed health code changes...
Outrage over study finding COVID-19 vaccines aren’t linked to sudden cardiac deaths
NationalA new CDC study investigates the risk of sudden cardiac deaths in teens and young adults who received COVID-19 vaccines. The study found no...
Vaccine opponents spread false claims about bird flu
NationalSeveral prominent vaccine opponents posted false claims about bird flu online, in both English and Spanish. Some of the false claims include...
Japan protest resurfaces false claims about COVID-19 and WHO pandemic treaty
NationalVaccine opponents, posting in both English and Spanish, are sharing images of a Japan protest against the World Health Organization’s pandem...
Arizona Supreme Court upholds 1864 law banning nearly all abortions
Reproductive healthThis week Arizona's Supreme Court voted to uphold a law from 1864 that bans all abortions, with no exceptions for rape or incest, unless...
Florida law makes it a felony to expose first responders to fentanyl
OpioidsA new Florida law will make it a felony to expose first responders to fentanyl or other chemically similar drugs when the exposure results i...
Viral social media posts make misdleading claims linking SSRIs to mass shootings and suicide
Mental healthThis week two viral social media posts claimed that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a widely used type of antidepressant, l...
West Virginia governor vetoes bill that would change vaccine requirements in schools
SouthWest Virginia’s governor vetoed a bill that would have eliminated vaccine requirements in public virtual schools and allowed private and par...
California ‘medical freedom’ group announces plans to file lawsuit challenging vaccine exemption barriers
WestA California-based nonprofit committed to “protecting medical freedom” is raising money to file a lawsuit challenging barriers to medical va...
New York Post bird flu article fuels conspiracy theories online
NortheastAfter a rare human case of H5N1 avian flu, or “bird flu,” was discovered in Texas, the New York Post published an article claiming that bird...
Social media posts falsely attribute deaths in the Midwest to COVID-19 vaccines
MidwestSeveral recent social media posts are linking deaths in the Midwest to COVID-19 vaccines without evidence. One post claims that a woman died...
Spanish-language posts circulate false claims about Japan’s COVID-19 vaccine policies
NationalSpanish-language social media posts are spreading the false claim that Japan banned mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. One user known for spreading fal...
Video calls promoting COVID-19 vaccines “the most evil thing ever done”
NationalA right-wing political commentator claims that governments encouraging vaccination after “the mRNA vaccine was shown not to stop transmissio...
Alleged rancher claims dangerous mRNA vaccines are being tested in livestock
NationalIn a recent viral video, a man claiming to be a rancher alleges that “live” mRNA vaccines are being tested on livestock, and 26 percent of t...
West Virginia governor vetoes bill that would change vaccine requirements in schools
SouthWest Virginia’s governor vetoed a bill that would have eliminated vaccine requirements in public virtual schools and allowed private and par...
California ‘medical freedom’ group announces plans to file lawsuit challenging vaccine exemption barriers
WestA California-based nonprofit committed to “protecting medical freedom” is raising money to file a lawsuit challenging barriers to medical va...
Social media posts falsely attribute deaths in the Midwest to COVID-19 vaccines
MidwestSeveral recent social media posts are linking deaths in the Midwest to COVID-19 vaccines without evidence. One post claims that a woman died...
New York Post bird flu article fuels conspiracy theories online
NortheastPost published an article claiming that bird flu is “100 times worse” than COVID-19. In response to the article, some social media users are...
Spanish-language posts circulate false claims about Japan’s COVID-19 vaccine policies
NationalSpanish-language social media posts are spreading the false claim that Japan banned mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. One user known for spreading fal...
Alleged rancher claims dangerous mRNA vaccines are being tested in livestock
NationalIn a recent viral video, a man claiming to be a rancher alleges that “live” mRNA vaccines are being tested on livestock, and 26 percent of t...
Video calls promoting COVID-19 vaccines “the most evil thing ever done”
NationalA right-wing political commentator claims that governments encouraging vaccination after “the mRNA vaccine was shown not to stop transmissio...
Alabama Narcan vending machine sparks debate on social media
OpioidsLast week, a nonprofit in Walker County, Alabama, installed the state’s first Narcan vending machine, which offers free naloxone as a nasal...
Florida law banning children from having social media accounts sparks conversation about childrens’ mental health
Mental healthA new Florida law will ban children under the age of 14 from having social media accounts and will require children between the ages of 14 a...
Anti-abortion group recirculates video implying abortion pills are unsafe
Reproductive healthIn the weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments involving access to the abortion pill mifepristone, the anti-abortion group Live A...
Social media post claims Oklahoma man died after doctors refused to treat his COVID-19 infection with ivermectin
MidwestSocial media post claims Oklahoma man died after doctors refused to treat his COVID-19 infection with ivermectinA doctor with a large social...
Social media users celebrate Tennessee bill banning foods that contain vaccines
SouthTennessee’s Senate passed a law requiring that any food containing a vaccine be classified and labeled as a drug. Senators who support the b...
University of Washington study sparks conversation about updated COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness
WestA popular social media post referenced a University of Washington preprint study, which found that people who received three doses of the or...
Social media users perpetuate ‘long vax’ myth
NortheastThe NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene shared a post about long COVID on the department’s social media page. Several comments on th...
Vaccine opponents resurface misleading claims about study linking flu vaccine to potential stroke risk
NationalSocial media posts in both English and Spanish resurfaced misleading claims about a study linking the flu vaccine with potential stroke risk...
Viral video calls on doctors to apologize for promoting COVID-19 vaccines
NationalIn a video with millions of views, a popular right-wing political commentator calls for doctors to apologize for “wrongly” recommending COVI...
Posts falsely claim that blood donations from people vaccinated against COVID-19 are unsafe
NationalPosts in both English and Spanish are falsely claiming that blood donations from people vaccinated against COVID-19 are not safe, based on a...
Social media users celebrate Tennessee bill banning foods that contain vaccines
SouthTennessee’s Senate passed a law requiring that any food containing a vaccine be classified and labeled as a drug. Senators who support the b...
University of Washington study sparks conversation about updated COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness
WestA popular social media post referenced a University of Washington preprint study, which found that people who received three doses of the or...
Social media users perpetuate ‘long vax’ myth
NortheastThe NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene shared a post about long COVID on the department’s social media page. Several comments on th...
Social media post claims Oklahoma man died after doctors refused to treat his COVID-19 infection with ivermectin
NortheastA doctor with a large social media following shared a post claiming that an Oklahoma man died after doctors refused to treat his COVID-19 in...
Vaccine opponents resurface misleading claims about study linking flu vaccine to potential stroke risk
NationalSocial media posts in both English and Spanish resurfaced misleading claims about a study linking the flu vaccine with potential stroke risk...
Viral video calls on doctors to apologize for promoting COVID-19 vaccines
NationalIn a video with millions of views, a popular right-wing political commentator calls for doctors to apologize for “wrongly” recommending COVI...
Posts falsely claim that blood donations from people vaccinated against COVID-19 are unsafe
NationalPosts in both English and Spanish are falsely claiming that blood donations from people vaccinated against COVID-19 are not safe, based on a...
Article raises concerns about misleading birth control claims on social media
Reproductive healthA recent article highlights the prevalence of misleading information about birth control online. The article states that social media influe...
Social media users share frustrations with suicide prevention hotlines
Mental healthA popular social media post expressed frustration with the national suicide prevention hotline. After calling the Suicide and Crisis Lifelin...
STOP TRANQ Act sparks conversation about when to use Narcan
OpioidsLast week, U.S. senators Tim Kaine and Ted Cruz introduced the STOP TRANQ Act, a bill that would require reporting on xylazine, or “tranq,”...
Colorado hockey team accused of ‘killing’ players with COVID-19 vaccine mandate
WestA social media post claimed that the Avalanche, a Colorado-based National Hockey League team, is “killing and injuring” its players and staf...
Social media users outraged by Texas provision limiting the promotion of COVID-19 vaccines
SouthA provision in the Texas State Budget prohibits promoting or advertising COVID-19 vaccines in 2024 and 2025, but still allows entities from...
Social media posts cite Ohio State University study to falsely claim that COVID-19 vaccines increase death risk
MidwestMultiple social media posts cited a recent Ohio State University study to falsely claim that COVID-19 vaccines increase the risk of death fr...
Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis fuels “turbo cancer” speculation
NationalWithin minutes of Kate Middleton revealing that she is in cancer treatment, some vaccine conspiracists began circulating the false claim tha...
Social media post falsely claims COVID-19 was ‘manufactured’ in Massachusetts
NortheastA social media post falsely claimed that pharmaceutical companies in Massachusetts “manufactured” the COVID-19 pandemic for profit. The post...
Anti-vaccine activists blame COVID-19 vaccines for athletes’ health issues
NationalSocial media posts in English and Spanish falsely blame COVID-19 vaccines for athletes’ recent health incidents. Specifically, the posts fal...
Posts resurface ivermectin myths following FDA lawsuit settlement
NationalThe FDA recently settled a lawsuit with a group of doctors who sued the agency claiming it was interfering with their ability to practice me...
Colorado hockey team accused of ‘killing’ players with COVID-19 vaccine mandate
WestA social media post claimed that the Avalanche, a Colorado-based National Hockey League team, is “killing and injuring” its players and staf...
Social media posts cite Ohio State University study to falsely claim that COVID-19 vaccines increase COVID-19-related death risk
MidwestMultiple social media posts cited a recent Ohio State University study to falsely claim that COVID-19 vaccines increase the risk of death fr...
Social media users outraged by Texas provision limiting the promotion of COVID-19 vaccines
SouthA provision in the Texas State Budget prohibits promoting or advertising COVID-19 vaccines in 2024 and 2025, but still allows entities from...
Social media posts falsely claims COVID-19 was ‘manufactured’ in Massachusetts
NortheastA social media post falsely claimed that pharmaceutical companies in Massachusetts “manufactured” the COVID-19 pandemic for profit. The post...
Anti-vaccine activists blame COVID-19 vaccines for athletes’ health issues
NationalSocial media posts in English and Spanish falsely blame COVID-19 vaccines for athletes’ recent health incidents. Specifically, the posts fal...
Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis fuels “turbo cancer” speculation
NationalWithin minutes of Kate Middleton revealing that she is in cancer treatment, some vaccine conspiracists began circulating the false claim tha...
Posts resurface ivermectin myths following FDA lawsuit settlement
NationalThe FDA recently settled a lawsuit with a group of doctors who sued the agency claiming it was interfering with their ability to practice me...
New study says weather disasters increase teens’ risk for mental distress
Mental healthA recently released study from Drexel University analyzed survey data from 40,000 high school students and found that teenagers who live thr...
Physician makes false claims about COVID-19 vaccines and treatment
WestA cardiologist who opposes vaccines and has a large social media platform spoke to the Arizona Senate Novel Coronavirus Southwestern Intergo...
Vaccine opponents in the South celebrate vaccine exemption bills
SouthTwo vaccine exemption bills in Southern states are sparking conversation online. In West Virginia, HB 5105—which was passed by the House and...
Chemical spill prompts unsubstantiated claims about Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines
MidwestReports that Pfizer exceeded methylene chloride discharge limits into a Michigan drain prompted city officials to issue a no-contact advisor...
Social media post sparks debate about breast milk and immunity
NortheastThe New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene shared a social media post encouraging parents to vaccinate their children against...
Myth resurfaces that Amish children are disease free
NationalPosts circulating in English and Spanish claim that a “new study” declared Amish children are the “world’s healthiest children” because they...
Anti-vaccine doctor promotes the “long vax” myth
NationalA controversial physician whose board certification was revoked for promoting “false or inaccurate medical misinformation” claimed in a rece...
Social media posts cast doubt on HPV vaccine safety
NationalSeveral social media posts in English and Spanish shared an article from a well-known anti-vaccine website saying that a study conducted in...
Expansion of New York SCOUT teams sparks conversation about unhoused people experiencing mental illness
Mental healthEarlier this month, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to expand SCOUT, or subway co-response outreach teams, which involuntaril...
False claims about “post-birth” abortions persist
Reproductive healthIn a recent news interview, former President Donald Trump falsely claimed that Roe v. Wade allowed for abortions “after birth.” Both before...
Changes in Philadelphia SSP funding sparks debate online
OpioidsLast week, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker announced that “not one city dollar” will be used to fund the distribution of sterile syringes...
Physician makes false claims about COVID-19 vaccines and treatment
WestA cardiologist who opposes vaccines and has a large social media platform spoke to the Arizona Senate Novel Coronavirus Southwestern Intergo...
Chemical spill prompts unsubstantiated claims about Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines
MidwestReports that Pfizer exceeded methylene chloride discharge limits into a Michigan drain prompted city officials to issue a no-contact advisor...
Vaccine opponents in the South celebrate vaccine exemption bills
SouthTwo vaccine exemption bills in Southern states are sparking conversation online. In West Virginia, HB 5105—which was passed by the House and...
Social media post sparks debate about breast milk and immunity
NortheastThe New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene shared a social media post encouraging parents to vaccinate their children against...
Myth resurfaces that Amish children are disease free
NationalPosts circulating in English and Spanish claim that a “new study” declared Amish children are the “world’s healthiest children” because they...
Social media posts cast doubt on HPV vaccine safety
NationalSocial media posts cast doubt on HPV vaccine safety
Several social media posts in English and Spanish shared an article from a well-known a...
Anti-vaccine doctor promotes the “long vax” myth
NationalA controversial physician whose board certification was revoked for promoting “false or inaccurate medical misinformation” claimed in a rece...
Distribution of emergency contraception and condoms at pop artist’s concert sparks debate and confusion
Reproductive healthConversations about emergency contraception spiked after a recent concert headlined by pop star Olivia Rodrigo in St. Louis. Social media us...
Celebrity appearances at SXSW prompts discussion about mental health
Mental healthPop star and actress Selena Gomez and New York Jets defensive lineman Solomon Thomas led a panel discussing mental health at the South by So...
New White House initiative launches to reduce overdoses
OpioidsThe Biden administration recently launched an initiative called the Challenge to Save Lives from Overdose, described as a nationwide call to...
Washington bill sparks concerns about vaccine safety
WestWashington passed a bill that defines a vaccine as any FDA-approved immunization recommended by the CDC. Some social media users are express...
Houston meningitis cases prompt false claims about meningococcal vaccine safety
SouthThe Houston Health Department reported seven cases of meningitis between November 2023 and February 2024. In response to the rise in meningi...
Michigan child’s flu-related death falsely attributed to flu vaccine
MidwestMichigan reported its first pediatric death from the flu of the 2023-2024 flu season. Some social media users are falsely attributing the ch...
New Jersey mumps outbreak sparks false claims online
NortheastEight cases of mumps have been reported in New Jersey. Health officials are urging New Jersey residents to look out for symptoms and to rece...
Posts spread false claims about COVID-19 vaccine safety
NationalSeveral social media users in English and Spanish posted videos of a press conference in South Korea in which the speakers made false claims...
Proposed bill would allow alleged vaccine-injured to sue vaccine manufacturers
NationalA member of Congress proposed the Let Injured Americans Be Legally Empowered (Liable) Act, which would allow Americans to retroactively sue...
Anti-mRNA fearmongering ramps up online and in Congress
NationalA U.S. congressperson continues to circulate speculation about mRNA vaccines in food, citing a frequently misrepresented study exploring the...
IVF conversations spike after Alabama state Supreme Court decision
Reproductive healthIn mid-February, the Supreme Court of Alabama declared that embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be considered children....
Approval of Rhode Island overdose prevention center sparks conversation online
OpioidsRecently, the Providence City Council approved Rhode Island’s first “safe injection site” in February 2024, sparking conversation about opio...
Newsletter claims that vaccinated patients face higher death risk from COVID-19
MidwestA newsletter by a prominent vaccine opponent referenced a small Ohio State University study, which found that vaccinated patients who were h...
Social media posts about West Virginia bill promote false claims about vaccine safety and effectiveness
SouthWest Virginia’s legislature advanced a bill that would allow students to forego otherwise mandatory school vaccinations due to their religio...
Social media post criticizes California university vaccine mandates
WestA social media post referenced a California university that recently stopped requiring and instead only recommends that students receive COV...
Social media post falsely suggests Bill Gates created a virus
NortheastA popular social media post shared a video clip from a news program warning of a virus in New York that is transmitted through mosquito bite...
Spanish-language article falsely claims that COVID-19 vaccines weaken immune system
NationalA Spanish-language social media user shared an article falsely claiming that COVID-19 vaccines weaken the immune system. In the post, the us...
Updated CDC respiratory virus guidelines cause controversy
NationalThe CDC’s updated guidance for respiratory viruses faces criticism from vaccine skeptics and those who feel the agency isn’t doing enough to...
Additional COVID-19 vaccine dose for older adults draws criticism
NationalThe CDC recommended an additional dose of the updated monovalent COVID-19 vaccine for adults 65 and older. Some took issue with the recommen...
Idaho bills promote vaccine exemptions for students
WestThe Idaho House Health and Welfare Committee voted to pass two bills regarding school immunization requirements and exemptions. One bill aim...
False claims about mRNA vaccines in US food supply reemerge
SouthSocial media posts are circulating false claims that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are in the U.S. food supply. These claims re-emerged after a Ten...
Iowa HPV vaccination data sparks false claims about vaccine safety
MidwestRecent data from the Iowa Department of Health shows that less than 50 percent of 13- to 15-year-olds in the state were fully vaccinated aga...
New York bill prompts concerns about minors receiving vaccines without parental consent
NortheastSeveral social media posts are expressing concerns that a New York bill will allow minors to be vaccinated without parental consent. Parents...
False claims and conspiracies spread amid rise in US measles cases
NationalMeasles cases in Florida and 14 other states prompted a spike in conversation across platforms about the disease and the measles vaccine. Th...
Myth circulates that COVID-19 vaccination negatively impacts blood donation
NationalSeveral viral posts falsely claimed that COVID-19 vaccine recipients are ineligible to donate blood through the Red Cross. Days later, an au...
Anti-vaccine activist interview with conservative political commentator spreads false claims about vaccines
NationalA popular conservative political commentator hosted an interview with a tech entrepreneur-turned-vaccine conspiracist who promoted false cla...
Social media posts use new study to falsely claim that vaccines are not safe
NationalSocial media posts are using a new COVID-19 vaccine safety study with data from eight countries to falsely claim that the vaccines are not s...
Florida measles outbreak initiates online debate
SouthAs of February 23, seven cases of measles have been confirmed in Florida children under the age of 14. In response, some social media posts...
Wyoming bill revives false claims that COVID-19 vaccines contaminate blood
WestA Wyoming representative introduced a bill that would require blood donors to disclose whether or not they have received any mRNA COVID-19 v...
Doctor falsely attributes New Hampshire deaths to COVID-19 vaccines
NortheastA doctor with a large social media platform shared a post about a New Hampshire bill that would require death certificates to include vaccin...
Minnesota bill sparks debate about childhood vaccines
MidwestA Minnesota senator introduced bill SF610, which would allow daycare providers to deny enrollment to children who are not up to date on stat...
Chart of VAERS reports by vaccine type circulates online
NationalA chart showing deaths reported to VAERS by vaccine type is circulating in English and Spanish on social media. Vaccine opponents claim that...
Spanish-language posts falsely claim that measles never existed
NationalSeveral Spanish-language social media accounts are falsely claiming that measles never existed and insinuating that the vaccine against the...
Congressional vaccine safety hearings stir up controversy online
NationalThe Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic held a multi-part hearing on “Assessing America’s Vaccine Safety Systems.” The subcommit...
Idaho bill would require parents to opt into the state’s vaccination database
WestA proposed Idaho bill seeks to change the state’s vaccine registry from opt-out to opt-in. The change would require parents to choose to inc...
Texas officials continue COVID-19 vaccine opposition
SouthA Texas state senator sent a letter to the Texas Medical Board, calling for a ban on COVID-19 vaccines and repeating the false claims that C...
Minnesota governor’s post sparks anti-COVID-19 vaccine comments
MidwestFollowing a post from Minnesota’s governor, saying that the state’s settlement with Eli Lilly resulted in a cap on the monthly out-of-pocket...
Social media users criticize New Jersey campaign to promote childhood vaccination
NortheastA popular anti-vaccine website published an article about a New Jersey Department of Health campaign encouraging students to create posters...
Posts resurface false claim that COVID-19 vaccines caused increase in blood clots
NationalSeveral popular posts in English and Spanish are falsely blaming COVID-19 vaccines for an increase in blood clots. One English post claims t...
Super Bowl stirs up anti-vaccine outrage
NationalAnti-vaccine rhetoric circulated online during the Super Bowl as vaccine opponents expressed outrage over a Pfizer ad about future cancer tr...
Review article falsely claims mRNA vaccines killed more people than they saved
NationalIn late January, several vaccine opponents published a review article questioning the safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The paper calls for...
Manhattan district attorney faces criticism for charging fake vaccine card holders with felonies
NortheastA New York State Supreme Court justice dismissed felony charges against two people who purchased fake COVID-19 vaccine cards to avoid New Yo...
Former presidential candidate shares false claims about COVID-19 vaccine deaths
WestThis week, a California political commentator and former presidential candidate shared an article on social media falsely claiming that COVI...
Ohio measles case sparks controversy online
MidwestFollowing a reported case of measles in Ohio, some social media users claimed the myth that reports of measles cases are a scare tactic mean...
Florida grand jury questions safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 mitigations
SouthLast week, a Florida grand jury released its first interim report on COVID-19 vaccines, one year after Florida’s governor ordered an investi...
Social media posts make false claims about HPV vaccine safety and effectiveness
NationalPopular posts in English and Spanish are circulating false claims about HPV vaccine safety and effectiveness. The posts allege that HPV vacc...
Social media posts make false claims about WHO’s pandemic treaty and vaccine safety
NationalA U.S. senator circulated conspiracy theories about the World Health Organization’s pandemic treaty, including claiming that the WHO chief a...
Opposition to updated routine immunization schedule circulates online
NationalThe CDC’s updated recommended immunization schedule is being criticized for the inclusion of RSV and COVID-19 vaccines for children and olde...
Controversial physician’s papers promote false claims about COVID-19 vaccines
NationalA former cardiologist who was fired and stripped of his board certification for promoting vaccine disinformation has co-authored two recent...
California doctor criticizes state’s former COVID-19 isolation guidelines
WestA doctor with a large social media platform shared a post criticizing California’s former COVID-19 isolation guidelines. While previous guid...
Comments on Tennessee news articles spread false claims about vaccine safety
SouthLast week, a local news station reported that Tennessee has the highest flu activity in the U.S. and low flu vaccination rates. A Tennessee...
Iowa senator questions HPV vaccine safety
MidwestAn Iowa senator introduced a bill that would require parental consent for minors to receive the HPV vaccine. The senator falsely claimed tha...
Popular posts falsely claim that COVID-19 vaccines contain graphene oxide
NationalA popular Spanish-language social media user claims that a court in Almería, Spain, is launching an investigation into the possible presence...
Vaccine opponents at Massachusetts hearing make false claims about COVID-19 vaccine safety
NortheastAt a Massachusetts legislature hearing, vaccine opponents falsely claimed that COVID-19 vaccines cause cancer, have led to over half a billi...
Posts claim COVID-19 vaccines cause AIDS and trigger HIV tests
NationalA video clip of a medical advisor comparing SARS-CoV-2 and long COVID to HIV and AIDS led some to claim that long COVID is actually a vaccin...
Online opposition to routine immunizations ramps up
NationalA popular right-wing commentator voiced opposition to all childhood vaccines, calling for a class action lawsuit against pediatricians who d...
Kentucky representative promotes unfounded claims about COVID-19 vaccine deaths
SouthOn social media, a Kentucky representative promoted a report claiming that over 50 percent of U.S. adults believe that COVID-19 vaccines hav...
Social media posts make misleading claims about Ebola virus vaccine
WestLast week, a popular conspiracy theorist with a large platform made misleading claims about the live Ebola virus vaccine, which was administ...
Social media posts praise New York midwife for falsifying children’s vaccine records
NortheastSocial media posts are voicing support for a New York midwife who has been fined $300,000 by the state’s health department for administering...
COVID-19 vaccines blamed for pre-pandemic cancer rates
NationalA recent American Cancer Society projection of 2024 cancer statistics is being used to falsely claim that COVID-19 vaccines are responsible...
Social media post falsely claims COVID-19 vaccines cause long COVID
MidwestA recent social media post mocked long COVID patients in Minnesota for “blaming everything for their condition except the [COVID-19] vaccine...
Chinese coronavirus study fuels lab leak conspiracy theories
NationalA recent Chinese coronavirus study has fueled false claims that researchers created a more deadly COVID-19 variant with a “100 percent kill...
Posts mock the death of reporter who criticized vaccine skeptic tennis player
NationalMany posts are mocking the recent death of a sports reporter who criticized a top-ranked tennis player for his anti-vaccine stance, with som...
Article prompts debate about HPV vaccine safety
SouthLast week, Texas physicians encouraged men to get the HPV vaccine in a local media outlet. The media outlet shared the article in a social m...
Posts allege Nevada woman died from COVID-19 vaccine
WestSome social media users with large platforms are sharing posts about a Nevada woman who allegedly died after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. T...
Vaccine opposition group supports bills protecting doctors who make false claims
MidwestThis week, a social media account for a so-called “health freedom group” in Wisconsin urged its supporters to take action at a public hearin...
Social media users celebrate New York doctor who provided vaccine exemptions
NortheastA New York-based doctor has lost her medical license after providing vaccine exemptions to children without properly examining them. Some so...
Posts blame COVID-19 vaccines for an alleged ‘heart failure pandemic’
NationalA recent news article warns that the COVID-19 variant JN.1 could trigger a “heart failure pandemic,” spurring some social media users to cla...
Posts promote use of alternative treatments ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine
NationalSpanish-language social media users are promoting the use of ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19. Several users quote a doct...
“Disease X” epidemic preparedness event sparks conspiracy theories
NationalA World Economic Forum meeting about global preparedness for “Disease X” caused some on social media to speculate that the event is part of...
Social media posts make unfounded claims about Washington firefighters’ deaths
WestA social media user with a large platform shared posts claiming that several firefighters in Washington have died from cardiac arrest since...
Arkansas doctor’s post fuels false narratives about the flu vaccine
SouthA functional medicine doctor in Arkansas mocked a physician on social media who stated that their flu infection would have been worse if the...
Michigan congressional candidate faces criticism for pro-vaccine stance
MidwestA Michigan candidate for Congress faced criticism for supporting vaccines and refusing to state that COVID-19 vaccines should be pulled from...
Philadelphia measles outbreak sparks false claims about vaccine efficacy
NortheastFive children and one adult in Philadelphia have been infected with measles. The outbreak began at Philadelphia’s top children’s hospital an...
Video clip resurfaces false claim that COVID-19 vaccines killed 17 million people
NationalA recent video clip posted by a popular conservative news personality repeats the debunked claim that COVID-19 vaccines have killed 17 milli...
Controversy over article summarizing data on vaccines’ protection against long COVID
NationalA recent news article about the protective effect of COVID-19 vaccines against long COVID is causing controversy online in English and Spani...
Florida surgeon general calls for ban on mRNA vaccines due to alleged “DNA contamination”
NationalFlorida’s surgeon general issued a press release calling for an end to mRNA COVID-19 vaccine use based on unsubstantiated claims about safet...
Social media users reject calls for vaccination
SouthAs cases of respiratory viruses rise, local media outlets in Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, and Kentucky are urging residents to get va...
California group raises concerns about HPV vaccine and AB 659 guidelines
WestA California group is expressing concerns about the HPV vaccine on social media. The group’s post states that despite the enactment of AB 65...
CDC alert sparks heated debate about COVID-19 and flu vaccination on social media
MidwestThe CDC recently issued a Health Alert Network advisory, emphasizing low vaccination rates for COVID-19 and the flu and highlighting potenti...
Concerns about rising myocarditis rates circulate in Spanish-language media
NationalSeveral Spanish-language social media posts are raising concerns about alleged increasing rates of myocarditis. One post featured U.S. media...
Claim about “defective” COVID-19 vaccines resurfaces
NortheastA vaccine opponent group shared a video news segment on social media that is raising concerns about COVID-19 vaccines. The video claims that...
False claims about ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine recirculate
NationalA trending social media post recirculated the false claim that ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine can treat COVID-19. The post also falsely c...
Posts allege former Italian Minister of Health is under murder investigation relating to COVID-19 vaccines
NationalMultiple social media users are claiming that the former Italian Minister of Health is under investigation for homicide due to allegations o...
Posts falsely claim that Texas Children's Hospital will no longer treat unvaccinated and undervaccinated children
SouthSeveral social media users recently alleged that Texas Children’s Hospital sent out an email to parents of patients stating that they will n...
California firefighter’s dismissal sparks outrage online
WestOne hundred firefighters who were suspended for refusing to comply with COVID-19 vaccine requirements filed a lawsuit against the state of C...
False claims about the flu vaccine circulate in the Northeast
NortheastAs flu cases rise in the Northeast, several local health departments have been promoting the flu vaccine on social media. The New York City...
Trending post alleges COVID-19 vaccine caused vaccine “injuries” among North Dakota hospital patients
MidwestIn a widely circulated social media post, a user claimed to have observed numerous heart attacks and strokes among young people while workin...
Florida surgeon general asks FDA for response to vaccine claims
NationalIn a letter to the head of the FDA, the Florida surgeon general raised concerns about the safety and efficacy of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. In...
Online discourse about alleged New Zealand COVID-19 vaccine death data leak persists
NationalEarlier this month, reports claimed that a lead database administrator for New Zealand’s public health ministry leaked COVID-19 vaccine mort...
Popular post uses religion to challenge COVID-19 vaccine safety
NationalA popular social media post asked health care providers whether they have seen an increase in strokes, heart attacks, myocarditis, infertili...
California health officials warn of winter respiratory infection surge
WestCalifornia health officials are warning of a winter surge in respiratory infections, including COVID-19, RSV, and the flu, and are encouragi...
Florida introduces legislation to expand vaccine exemptions
SouthA Florida senator introduced S.B. 636, which expands vaccine exemptions. The bill states that no vaccine can be mandated for employment, enr...
Proposed Illinois bill seeks to mandate disclosure of mRNA vaccination in blood donations
MidwestA bill introduced into the Illinois House last week aims to amend the Illinois Clinical Laboratory and Blood Bank Act. The proposed changes...
News site causes alarm with video on New York's ‘pandemic power' ruling
NortheastA news site recently released a video raising alarm about a New York court ruling. The video host falsely claims the ruling empowers the sta...
Article and social media posts promote false claims about mRNA vaccines
NationalA recent article has made false claims about Moderna's mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, alleging that they contain billions of DNA fragments link...
New Zealand vaccine safety whistleblower falsely claims COVID-19 vaccine caused widespread death
NationalRecent reports claim that a lead database administrator for New Zealand’s public health ministry leaked COVID-19 vaccine mortality data, rev...
Texas attorney general sues Pfizer for allegedly misrepresenting COVID-19 vaccine efficacy
NationalThe Texas attorney general has initiated legal action against Pfizer, alleging that the pharmaceutical company misrepresented the efficacy o...
Social media post baselessly attributes California employee’s death to COVID-19 vaccine
WestA social media user shared the story of a California state employee who recently died due to an unspecified medical emergency. The post attr...
North Carolina and Mississippi record first pediatric flu deaths of 2023-2024 flu season
SouthNorth Carolina and Mississippi recently recorded their first pediatric flu deaths of the 2023-2024 flu season. Additionally, North Carolina...
Administrative changes blamed for drop in vaccination rates in South Dakota
MidwestRecent changes to the South Dakota Department of Health’s Community Health Services and the Women, Infants, and Children program have result...
Former New York City firefighter sues over alleged career-ending vaccine injury
NortheastAn article discussing a former New York City firefighter’s alleged vaccine “injury” is circulating on social media. The former firefighter c...
Accounts allege that Iceland has banned COVID-19 vaccines
NationalSocial media users are falsely claiming that Iceland has banned COVID-19 vaccines amid rising deaths and adverse events, including strokes,...
False claims about vaccines and cancer continue to spread
NationalA recent analysis of U.K. government data claims there has been a significant increase in cancer deaths in people between the ages of 15 and...
Analysis falsely alleges that COVID-19 vaccines have killed 17 million people
NationalA recent analysis falsely claimed that COVID-19 vaccines have killed 17 million people. The analysis was presented at a summit that challeng...
Social media post claims that California study found increase in heart inflammation following mRNA vaccine
WestA physician on social media recently shared a California study that observed a potential increase in heart inflammation following the admini...
Kenosha County officials move to restrict vaccine mandates
MidwestThe Kenosha County, Wisconsin Board of Supervisors approved a policy that prevents the county’s health officer from imposing lockdowns and m...
Texas implements legislation prohibiting private employers from requiring vaccines
SouthTexas signed into law S.B. 7, which prohibits private employers from implementing COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Many popular social media posts...
Social media posts spread concerns about WHO pandemic treaty creating global vaccine mandates
NationalSeveral social media posts are spreading fears about the impact of a potential World Health Organization pandemic treaty. The WHO set a May...
New York toddler’s death used to discredit vaccines
NortheastVaccine opponents' social media accounts are using a story about a young child in New York who died two days after getting routine vacci...
Political hearing includes allegations about health impacts of COVID-19 vaccines
NationalA U.S. representative from Georgia hosted a hearing on alleged injuries caused by COVID-19 vaccines. The panel included medical experts know...
Presidential candidate references dismissed vaccine lawsuit as evidence of pharmaceutical industry’s profits from vaccine-related injuries
NationalA video of a presidential candidate claiming that the pharmaceutical industry derives profits from the sale of medications intended to addre...
Parents group files lawsuit against California over school vaccine mandates and removal of religious exemptions
WestCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom, along with the state legislature, eliminated religious exemptions for mandatory school vaccines through Se...
Florida lawsuit blames contaminated vaccine needles for infection outbreak
SouthIn South Florida, over a dozen parents filed a lawsuit after their children suffered from infections following vaccination appointments in s...
Reports of flu-related deaths in Indiana fuel doubts about the efficacy of the flu vaccine
MidwestTwo individuals have died from the flu in Indiana, according to the Indiana Department of Health. The department has urged residents to get...
Social media posts attribute COVID-19 vaccines to excess deaths
NationalMultiple social media posts attributed COVID-19 vaccines to excess deaths. One of the top posts featured a video of a Puerto Rican Congressi...
Group sues city of Philadelphia, challenging child vaccine consent law
NortheastA group opposing childhood vaccine mandates has sued the city of Philadelphia. The lawsuit claims Philadelphia has been vaccinating minors s...
False claims about mRNA COVID-19 vaccines circulate
NationalSeveral social media posts are claiming that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are dangerous because of their ability to stimulate the production of sp...
Social media posts promote ivermectin for an array of treatments
NationalSeveral social media posts recently promoted ivermectin for its alleged ability to treat and prevent an array of illnesses. Some promoted iv...
Physician’s group opposes HPV vaccine mandate in California schools
WestIn California, proposed legislation AB 6591 is gaining attention. The legislation would mandate the HPV vaccine for students in public and p...
Social media users claim retracted COVID-19 vaccine study is credible
MidwestA retracted study of COVID-19 vaccines has resurfaced online. This occurred in the wake of reports that the study’s author had been cleared...
Florida Department of Health issues updated COVID-19 vaccine guidance
SouthThe Florida Department of Health has issued updated COVID-19 vaccine guidance to health care providers. Messaging continues to recommend aga...
Flu vaccine faces criticism in Pennsylvania
NortheastThe Pennsylvania Department of Health posted on social media to encourage Pennsylvanians to get the flu vaccine, but social media users push...
Actor’s death sparks speculation about COVID-19 vaccine connection
NationalOn October 28, actor Matthew Perry was found unresponsive in his hot tub. In the wake of Perry’s death, social media users are speculating t...
FDA preprint studies on seizures and strokes garner attention
NationalAn FDA assessment detected a potential increased stroke risk for adults over 85 following the flu vaccine, whether or not it was administere...
False claims regarding the flu and flu vaccine circulate
NationalIn the past week, social media users have made numerous false claims about the flu vaccine. Some physicians on social media are claiming the...
Vaccine safety claims surround Phoenix COVID-19 committee presentation
WestA recent presentation at the Novel Coronavirus Southwestern Intergovernmental Committee in Phoenix, Arizona, is gaining attention on social...
Michigan Senate passes bill to repeal immunity law for pharmaceutical companies
MidwestThe Michigan Senate has passed Senate Bill 410. This bill would repeal Michigan's law granting drug manufacturers broad immunity from pr...
Mississippi group challenges flu vaccine efficacy
SouthA Mississippi group is questioning the efficacy of flu vaccines. In a social media post, the group argues that the flu virus has persisted,...
Pfizer press release discussing myocarditis sparks vaccine safety concerns
NationalIn a recent press release, Pfizer included investor notes containing safety recommendations for their COVID-19 vaccines. Trending social med...
Massachusetts group shares alleged vaccine injury testimonies
NortheastA group in Massachusetts has been sharing video testimonies about alleged vaccine injuries. People in the videos state they were coerced int...
Notable social media accounts challenge safety of routine vaccines
NationalProminent figures on social media are expressing concerns about the safety and efficacy of routine vaccines. A doctor who has regularly ques...
FDA preprint sparks concerns about COVID-19 vaccine side effects
NationalIn an preprint study analyzing the safety of monovalent COVID-19 vaccines in children and teenagers, the FDA identified the following safety...
California Governor signs HPV vaccination bill amid heated debate
WestOn October 13, the California Governor signed Assembly Bill 659 (AB 659), which recommends that students under the age of 26 receive the HPV...
Measles outbreaks in the Midwest spark online debate
MidwestMeasles cases have emerged in Wisconsin and Illinois, drawing prompt responses from health officials. Some social media posts attribute the...
Texas Senate passes legislation banning private employers from mandating COVID-19 vaccines
SouthIn a special session, Texas senators introduced legislation prohibiting private employers from implementing COVID-19 vaccine mandates. The S...
Article alleges the White House knew COVID-19 vaccines would kill millions
NationalA recent article alleges the White House was aware that COVID-19 vaccines might have serious side effects and actively attempted to conceal...
New York Supreme Court upholds ruling against COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health workers
NortheastThe New York Supreme Court upheld a ruling that strikes down COVID-19 vaccine mandates for healthcare workers. This decision prevents New Yo...
Veteran's myocarditis case prompts senators to investigate vaccine injury claims
NationalA story is circulating on social media from a 24-year-old Navy veteran who states he was discharged from the military due to vaccine-derived...
Online debates compare actions of Hamas to Pfizer
NationalIn the past week, social media posts drew comparisons between the actions of Hamas and alleged harms caused by Pfizer. The posts state that...
NFL stars prompt widespread vaccine conversation and calls for debate
NationalSeveral weeks ago, NFL star Travis Kelce was featured in a Pfizer commercial for the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Media personalities claimed K...
Washington pathologist raises concerns about COVID-19 vaccines and adverse effects
WestA Washington-based pathologist has raised concerns about the adverse effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. In a circulating interview, he falsely...
Health “freedom” group stigmatizes vaccine for Hepatitis B
MidwestA so-called health freedom group in Michigan has falsely claimed that the only people who need the hepatitis B vaccine are sex workers and p...
Legislative session against private COVID-19 vaccine mandates ordered in Texas
SouthA Texas college of medicine has enforced a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for its students, faculty, and staff, sparking concerns over diminis...
Concerns circulate surrounding increase in tuberculosis cases in New York City
NortheastNew York City is seeing an increase in tuberculosis (TB) cases, with around 500 cases of active TB reported in 2023. Several factors are dri...
World Economic Forum speaker comments on water crisis, COVID-19 vaccines, and depopulation attempts
NationalA speaker at a recent World Economic Forum (WEF) event discussed water equity. Social media users are misrepresenting the speaker’s comments...
Japanese study raises questions about origin of COVID-19 variants
NationalAn article discussing a recent Japanese study suggests that COVID-19 subvariants, including recent ones like EG.5.1 and BA.X, could potentia...
Former President takes anti-mandate stance and backs controversial children's book in California
WestA former U.S. president recently expressed his opposition to vaccine mandates at a California campaign event. He asserted his intention to w...
Georgia group raises concerns on routine immunizations
SouthA Georgia-based group raised concerns about adverse events for routine immunizations, claiming that it only takes one vaccine to harm a chil...
Conspiracies emerge following the death of North Dakota senator
MidwestNorth Dakota State Senator Doug Larsen died in a plane crash on October 1, along with his wife and two children. The crash occurred shortly...
Social media post alleges vaccine conspiracy involving global philanthropists and health organizations
NationalA social media post has made unfounded claims about the safety of vaccines. The post claims that the Rockefeller family owns the World Healt...
Social media posts raise concerns about cancer in COVID-19 vaccines
NationalSeveral popular posts have raised concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccines and cancer. One post promoted claims from a genomics scientist and hi...
High profile CEO challenges COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy
NationalIn a series of viral posts, a high profile CEO of a social media platform challenged vaccine safety and efficacy. His first post featured me...
Debate sparks over COVID-19 vaccine efficacy following California prison study
WestSeveral social media posts are referencing a study to argue that COVID-19 vaccines are ineffective in providing protection against the virus...
“Vaccine Injury Awareness Month” Events promoted for October
MidwestOctober has been designated as Vaccine Injury Awareness Month by many vaccine opponents. A group in Michigan is promoting its fourth annual...
Testimony from South Carolina Senate hearing sparks vaccine contamination concerns
SouthIn early September, the South Carolina Senate Medical Affairs Ad-Hoc Committee conducted hearings on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, and in...
Controversy erupts over mRNA in breast milk study
NationalA recent study published in The Lancet has raised concerns regarding the presence of mRNA in breast milk after COVID-19 vaccination. The stu...
New York group protests World Health Organization and vaccine mandates
NortheastA group advocating against vaccine mandates protested in New York City on September 18th and 19th. The protest occurred when the WHO and the...
Presidential candidate makes false claims about chickenpox and COVID-19 vaccines
NationalA video of a presidential candidate alleging a connection between the chickenpox vaccine and shingles is circulating on social media. In the...
Debate over RSV vaccine safety in pregnant people, amid CDC recommendation
NationalOnline backlash emerged after the CDC recommended that pregnant people get the RSV vaccine. One popular article alleges that the RSV vaccine...
Iowa doctor known for opposing vaccines sues hospital over vaccine policies
MidwestA physician from Iowa known for opposing COVID-19 vaccines and promoting the use of ivermectin to treat COVID-19 is suing a Missouri hospita...
Arkansas passes legislation banning COVID-19 vaccine mandates and requires publication of potential vaccine adverse events
SouthArkansas signed into law S.B. 3, which prohibits the government from mandating COVID-19 vaccination for public employees or state funded ent...
Influencer manipulates CDC data to support false narrative about vaccines
NationalAn online influencer has manipulated CDC data to support their argument that COVID-19 vaccines are ineffective at preventing COVID-19 deaths...
Controversy surrounds Dr. Fauci’s comments on myocarditis and mRNA vaccines
NationalSocial media users are sharing a recent video of Dr. Anthony Fauci stating that the COVID-19 vaccine carries a low risk of myocarditis among...
Trending outcry over infant's alleged vaccine-related death in Maine
NortheastA story has gone viral about an infant in Maine who died 34 hours after receiving childhood vaccines in October 2022. According to the artic...
Claims of inadequate testing on the updated COVID-19 vaccine
NationalNumerous social media users have raised concerns regarding what they claim is insufficient testing for the recently updated COVID-19 vaccine...
Huntington Beach City Council votes to pursue ban on mask and vaccine mandates
WestThe Huntington Beach City Council in California has voted 4-3 to pursue a ban on universal mask and COVID-19 vaccine mandates within the cit...
Experts sound the alarm on the rise of vaccine exemptions in Wisconsin
MidwestAccording to a recently published article, nearly two dozen schools in Dane County have vaccination rates of 85 percent or lower, which heal...
Florida surgeon general warns against updated COVID-19 vaccines
SouthThe Florida Surgeon General warned against COVID-19 vaccines at a recent press conference, claiming that there are numerous red flags with t...
Conspiracies that Vitamin D deficiency resulted in severe COVID-19 cases
NationalTrending conversations falsely claim that federal officials covered up research into the benefits of vitamin D to treat COVID-19, resulting...
False claims that COVID-19 vaccines cause turbo cancers
NationalFalse narratives that mRNA vaccines cause turbo cancers are circulating across platforms and in English and Spanish language networks. Speci...
National organization creates vaccine injury bus tour in Northeast
NortheastA well-known organization that frequently advocates against vaccination is embarking on a bus tour across multiple cities in the Northeast,...
False claims that COVID-19 vaccines can lead to autoimmune disease
NationalA former news host claims that she developed an autoimmune condition after being vaccinated for COVID-19. She says that her doctor confirmed...
COVID-19 cases rise in Hawaii following Maui fires
WestThe state of Hawaii has seen a significant increase in COVID-19 cases in the aftermath of the Maui fires. Health officials believe that the...
School vaccination requirements spark outrage and conspiracy theories
NortheastRumors have been circulating regarding New York City officials’ stance on vaccination requirements for migrant children attending school. A...
Ottawa County resolution states vaccine promotions must include risks, benefits, and information on waivers
MidwestThe Ottawa County Commission passed a resolution that recommends any vaccine promotions by the county include information on exemptions and...
Arkansas governor states there will be no future COVID-19 lockdowns or vaccine mandates
SouthThe governor of Arkansas shared a video clip stating that, so long as she is governor, there will be no future lockdowns, COVID-19 vaccine m...
Study data incorrectly used to claim that COVID-19 vaccine causes skin condition
NationalA recent study investigating the impact of COVID-19 vaccines on various autoimmune skin conditions found no significant impact in the occurr...
Calls to avoid PCR tests and COVID-19 vaccines go viral
NationalMultiple popular social media accounts are calling for people to avoid COVID-19 PCR tests, allegedly because the U.S. government plans to ma...
Tweet sparks continued false claims about vaccines and autism
NationalA viral tweet compares the trends in vaccination rates and the reported rise in autism diagnoses since 1983. It speculates that, by 2025, 50...