In a February 13 interview, newly confirmed HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. alleged that existing vaccine safety monitoring systems like VAERS don’t work and claims that he will create a new system. He cites a 2010 report, which found that less than 1 percent of adverse reactions are reported to VAERS. Yet, one of the study’s authors explained that the statistic takes into account that most adverse reactions are so mild that they aren’t worth reporting. Responses to the post called VAERS a “sham,” repeated the myth that vaccines are not properly tested, and claimed that Kennedy is going to prove that vaccines are not safe.
Recommendation
False and misleading claims about the U.S. vaccine safety systems are widespread and may damage public trust in vaccines. Debunking messaging may explain that the U.S. has a robust, multi-level vaccine safety monitoring system that can detect even the rarest vaccine side effects. Talking points may emphasize that tens of millions of people are safely vaccinated each year, and serious adverse reactions are extremely rare.
Fact-checking sources: CDC
