Myth resurfaces that Amish children are disease free

Posts circulating in English and Spanish claim that a “new study” declared Amish children are the “world’s healthiest children” because they are unvaccinated. The post claims that the study found Amish communities have a “90 times lower” COVID-19 death rate than “fully-vaxxed and boostered, mask-wearing and locked-downed” Americans.

Recommendation: 

These types of posts undermine the importance of pediatric routine vaccination at a time when the CDC has reported the highest childhood vaccine exemption rate ever. Conversations about routine vaccines provide an opportunity to promote why vaccination is so important. Messaging may emphasize communities with low vaccination rates are particularly vulnerable to infectious disease outbreaks, including measles, whooping cough, and COVID-19. Communication and partner materials  may emphasize that recommended vaccines are safe for children, protect children from serious illnesses, and decrease the spread of dangerous and life-threatening diseases.