Social media users criticize New Jersey campaign to promote childhood vaccination

A popular anti-vaccine website published an article about a New Jersey Department of Health campaign encouraging students to create posters and videos on the importance of vaccination for the chance to win a cash prize of up to $175. People are quoted in the anti-vaccine article calling the campaign a “manipulation of children” for profit and “propaganda.” Some social media users had similar reactions.

Risk level: Medium

Recommendation: Social media posts criticizing this campaign may discourage patients in New Jersey from getting recommended vaccines for their children. Messaging may emphasize that recommended vaccines are safe for children and teens and protect them from serious, preventable illnesses. The CDC’s immunization schedules are evidence-based recommendations to protect the health of individuals and communities.