University of Florida clinical trial prompts social media users to express concerns about mRNA technology

A recent University of Florida clinical trial found that a newly-developed mRNA cancer vaccine was able to reprogram patients’ immune systems to attack glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. While many social media users celebrated these findings, others expressed distrust in mRNA technology and made false claims about mRNA COVID-19 vaccine safety.

Recommendation: Trending conversations about mRNA technology provide an opportunity for community-based organizations and other partners in Florida to use existing content and materials to educate the public on the safety and importance of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.  Talking points may emphasize that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have been rigorously tested and monitored and have been determined to be safe—as adverse effects are extremely rare. The benefits of vaccination outweigh any potential risks because staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines prevents severe illness, death, and long COVID.