On September 4, Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. was questioned before the U.S. Senate about vaccines and health. During the hearing, he and other officials repeated several false and misleading claims about vaccines, including that children receive “too many” vaccines and that “no one knows” how many Americans died from COVID-19. Several clips and quotes trended online, particularly the claim that “anyone can get” a 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine, despite the FDA limiting vaccine eligibility to those over 65 and younger people with underlying health conditions. Experts online stressed that federal vaccine guidance would force younger people with no underlying conditions to get a prescription and pay out of pocket for the vaccine. After the hearing, some public figures and social media users called for Kennedy’s resignation, while others defended him for “exposing the truth.”
Recommendation
The FDA’s recent narrowing of COVID-19 vaccine eligibility has led to confusion and concern about who can and should get the 2025-2026 vaccines. Messaging may emphasize that although federal guidance only covers people 65 and older and younger people with underlying conditions, people outside of these groups may still be able to get the vaccine with their doctor’s approval. Messaging may also explain that physicians’ groups and public health experts still recommend the vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older and that many states are working to ensure the vaccines are available for those who want it. Health communicators may encourage people to consult with their health care provider about getting the vaccine.
Fact-checking sources: PolitiFact, FactCheck.org, PBS News. Download a social media graphic on “The Importance of the COVID-19 Vaccine” (English and Spanish)
