RFK Jr.’s potential HHS role stirs up vaccine conversation

This week, social media users discussed a self-amplifying mRNA bird flu vaccine and the global surge in measles cases. Regional conversations focused on whooping cough, bird flu, and debates over COVID-19 and flu vaccine safety.

This week’s vaccine conversations were dominated by the announcement that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may soon be leading the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In addition, many long-debunked anti-vaccine myths and false narratives about mRNA vaccines circulated online as the FDA cleared a trial for a self-amplifying mRNA-based bird flu vaccine. Meanwhile, global measles outbreaks fueled conspiracy theories and criticism of the anti-vaccine movement. 

At the regional level, social media users discussed rising whooping cough, pneumonia, and bird flu cases and vaccines for older adults and health workers.

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What’s trending nationally in vaccine conversation:

False claims about childhood vaccine safety circulated widely online following President-elect Trump’s November 14 announcement that he plans to nominate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the HHS. Popular posts reacting to the news claimed—without evidence—that no childhood vaccine is safe and that routine vaccines are linked to autism, ADHD, and chronic illness. Although several posts shared the many studies debunking these connections, vaccine opponents continue to call for new studies, which they say will support their claims. Other users speculated that vaccine manufacturer stocks are “tanking” after the Kennedy announcement because he has pledged to “take in Big Pharma.” Several viral posts highlighted the importance of vaccines and the danger of empowering anti-vaccine figures. 

On November 11, Arcturus Therapeutics announced that the FDA cleared a clinical trial for a self-amplifying mRNA vaccine for H5N1 avian influenza. Vaccine opponents responded to the news with conspiracy theories about mRNA vaccines being dangerous and “shedding” to unvaccinated people. Popular posts described the vaccine as “reckless,” a “disaster waiting to happen,” and a “​​gain-of-function [experiment] inside the human body.” Several posts attempted to link the experimental vaccines to conspiracy theories about Bill Gates and called for a “clean house” at the FDA.

On November 14, the CDC and WHO released a report estimating that global measles cases rose 20 percent in 2023, resulting in over 100,000 deaths, mostly in children under age 5. Although the U.S. has reported four times as many cases and outbreaks this year compared to 2023, the Americas region has maintained its measles elimination status, which is achieved by 95 percent measles vaccine coverage. Several media outlets and public health figures highlighted the decline in childhood immunization in the U.S., where only a handful of states have adequate MMR coverage. Many commenters blamed vaccine opponents for the measles resurgence. However, some vaccine skeptics questioned the effectiveness and safety of measles vaccines and blamed immigrant populations for the rise in cases.    

Read the fact checks: 

• CHOP: Do Vaccines Cause Chronic Diseases?
• Public Good News: Dispelling myths about mRNA vaccines
• FactCheck.org: Posts Mislead About Measles, MMR Vaccine Amid Recent Outbreaks

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What’s happening in the Northeast:

On November 13, Massachusetts health officials announced that they are monitoring rising cases of whooping cough and pneumonia in the state. Whooping cough cases have returned to pre-pandemic levels, and health care providers have reported a “higher than usual number of pneumonia cases, particularly among children and young adults.” Health officials encourage residents to ensure they are up to date on all vaccinations. Some social media users echoed the call to get vaccinated, while others blamed COVID-19 vaccines and “lockdowns” for the recent outbreaks.

What’s happening in the South:

Several accounts are circulating flu vaccine and mask exemption letters for hospital workers, reportedly issued by the recently-elected Louisiana surgeon general. The letter cites alleged “well-established” safety concerns and labels masking as “punitive coercion.” The move was praised by vaccine opponents and so-called “health freedom” groups, who called on other states to follow suit. The surgeon general has not issued any guidance related to the exemptions, and it is unclear whether hospitals will honor the letters.

What’s happening in the Midwest:

A health system shared a podcast episode about the importance of vaccinations for older adults, with insights from nursing directors at Good Samaritan Society facilities in Minnesota and South Dakota. The post received significant engagement, including over 100 comments that were largely critical of the recommendations. Many comments expressed general vaccine skepticism and distrust of COVID-19 vaccines in particular. Commenters claimed that vaccines are harmful, advocating instead for unproven alternative “immunity-boosting” methods.

What’s happening in the West:

On November 15, the CDC confirmed Oregon’s first human bird flu case linked to a commercial poultry operation. The CDC reaffirmed that there is no evidence of human transmission, and risk to the public remains low. The news was discussed on multiple social media platforms, including a forum post with over 20,000 engagements. Some people expressed concern about a bird flu pandemic under the incoming Trump administration, with RFK Jr. at the helm of the country's health and public health agencies.

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Recommendations for public health professionals 

Each week the Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web pages and FAQs, and to inform strategy for messaging about vaccines. 

A prominent figure with a history of questioning vaccine science in a high-ranking public health position may result in the mainstreaming of anti-vaccine and anti-science claims. Debunking messaging may emphasize that decades of research prove that routine vaccines are very safe and are not linked to autism, ADHD, or chronic illness. Messaging may also explain that routine vaccines protect everyone, including infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated and those who can’t safely receive vaccines. Emphasizing that vaccines are held to the highest testing and safety standards is recommended.

Vaccine opponents are using the same tactics they used against COVID-19 vaccines to oppose any new vaccine or vaccine technology. Messaging may explain that mRNA vaccines are backed by decades of research, and over four years of research and safety monitoring have confirmed their safety. Talking points may highlight the overwhelming scientific consensus, backed by peer-reviewed research and global safety monitoring, showing that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are safe.

False and misleading claims about the safety and importance of measles vaccination continue to circulate online, leading to hesitancy and declining vaccine coverage. Continuing to highlight that measles is highly contagious and potentially deadly yet preventable through vaccination is recommended. Messaging may emphasize that the MMR vaccine is very safe, highly effective, and the best protection against measles. 

Interested in recommendations tailored to health care providers? Click here.