Myth that COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility goes viral
This week, posts questioned fall vaccine timing and the measles vaccine, as regional vaccine opponents used a tragic death as an anti-vaccine talking point.
This week, posts questioned fall vaccine timing and the measles vaccine, as regional vaccine opponents used a tragic death as an anti-vaccine talking point.
Online conversations about vaccines this week ranged from conspiratorial to informative. Several anti-vaccine figures circulated the long-debunked myth that COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility, while a question about when to get fall vaccines yielded valuable, firsthand insights supported by expert advice. Meanwhile, the growing measles outbreak in Oregon prompted some online to encourage vaccination and others to promote myths about MMR vaccine safety.
Regionally, vaccine opponents exploited a tragic death and celebrated low COVID-19 vaccination rates as multiple mpox cases are confirmed in Nevada.
Insights brought to you by the reporters and science writers of Public Good News (PGN), a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to improving community health.
What’s trending nationally in vaccine conversation:
Several English- and Spanish-language posts are circulating the debunked myth that COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility. A social media user with 2.4 million followers falsely claimed in a viral post that COVID-19 vaccines “caused widespread infertility.” Other popular posts claim, without evidence, that COVID-19 vaccines are “chemically castrating men” and disrupting menstrual cycles, causing sterility. One post references a researcher who claimed that vaccine spike proteins “replace sperm,” while others include videos that claim to show self-assembling nanostructures from mRNA vaccines present in sperm.
An August 30 social media post asked if it was safe to get COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time and when it is recommended to get an RSV vaccine. The post garnered significant attention, receiving over 3,400 responses. Many replies correctly noted that it is safe to receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time and also to include the RSV vaccine if eligible, but warned of potential side effects. The response revealed some confusion about the availability, eligibility, and timing of fall vaccines.
Measles cases in Oregon have reached the highest levels in over 30 years. Some people took to social media to blame the anti-vaccine movement for the outbreak, noting that Oregon’s school vaccine exemption rate is nearly three times the national average and that every measles case this year has been in an unvaccinated person. However, as news of the outbreak spreads online, anti-vaccine figures chimed in to repeat long-debunked myths that the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine causes autism. Other posts falsely claimed that measles isn’t serious and that the vaccine is unnecessary.
Read the fact checks:
- BabyCenter: No, the COVID vaccine doesn't cause infertility
- CDC: Getting a Flu Vaccine and Other Recommended Vaccines at the Same Time
- HealthyChildren.org: MMR Vaccine: What You Need to Know
What’s happening in the Northeast:
In a September 1 post, a Vermont-based health care professional highlighted a statewide program that provides in-home and on-site COVID-19 and flu vaccinations to disabled residents who are unable to travel to a vaccination site. The service is available for entire households and care facilities and can include additional vaccines upon request. The post received over 2,200 engagements, with many responses lauding the program and a few comments criticizing the post for promoting “unsafe” vaccines.
What’s happening in the South:
Vaccine opponents have latched on to the tragic death of a 9 year old in Kentucky who collapsed on her first day back in school. The death of the 4th grader is being falsely portrayed as a COVID-19 vaccine-related death on social media, although there is no evidence to support the speculation or even that the girl was vaccinated. One post claims the girl’s parents were brainwashed into “unnecessarily” vaccinating their daughter.
What’s happening in the Midwest:
A new study found that North Dakota has one of the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the country, as nearly three in 10 adults in the state have never received a COVID-19 vaccine. The report spurred celebration from some social media users praising those who “have half a brain not to take the jab!” Some responses emphasize personal choice, comparing the issue of vaccination to abortion.
What’s happening in the West:
Clark County, Nevada, has reported seven mpox cases as of August 28. Local news outlets reported on the cases with guidance on staying safe. In one news clip posted on social media, a man describes his experience with mpox, and a physician urges those who are eligible to get vaccinated. The responses falsely claim that the disease only affects gay men and insinuates that mpox is in the news again because it’s an election year.
Recommendations brought to you by the health communication experts behind Infodemiology.com.
Talking points for public health professionals
Each week, the Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. Use these helpful tips when creating content, updating web pages and FAQs, and to inform strategy for messaging about vaccines.
False claims about the alleged health risks of vaccines can increase vaccine Myths about the impact of vaccination on fertility and reproductive health have persisted for decades and are often amplified for new and unfamiliar vaccines. Debunking messaging may emphasize that extensive research over the last four years has consistently shown that COVID-19 vaccination does not negatively impact any aspect of fertility, including the ability to conceive, sperm health, or pregnancy outcomes. Informational materials may explain that some people may experience mild, temporary changes in menstruation after vaccination that have no long-term impact on reproductive health. COVID-19 infection may impact the menstrual cycle, sperm and embryo health, and the risk of pregnancy complications.
Fall vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against severe illness this respiratory virus season. Emphasizing that the CDC advises that it is safe for eligible individuals to receive both or all three vaccines at the same time with the approval of their health care provider is recommended. Messaging may highlight that clinical trials and ongoing safety monitoring have not identified any safety concerns related to receiving COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines simultaneously.
Measles is an extremely contagious, potentially life-threatening, and entirely preventable disease. Emphasizing that measles outbreaks happen when not enough people are vaccinated is recommended, as is explaining that vaccination protects everyone, including children who are too young to be fully vaccinated and are at high risk of infection during a measles outbreak. Talking points may highlight that the MMR vaccine is very safe and 97 percent effective against measles infection.
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