Over the winter holiday, online conversations about influenza and annual flu vaccination surged as severe cases and hospitalizations rose nationwide. Social media discussed the so-called “super flu,” attributed to the dominant circulating strain, which is not well matched to this season’s vaccine. Some posts highlighted recent flu deaths among unvaccinated children and emphasized the importance of vaccination, while others shared personal experiences and claimed this season is particularly severe. On January 5, the CDC reported that 45 states were experiencing high or very high flu activity and that flu-related hospitalizations and deaths increased over Christmas week. Vaccine opponents dismissed these reports and promoted claims questioning flu vaccine effectiveness. Some repeated the misleading claim that flu vaccination increases susceptibility to infection, while others promoted unproven natural remedies to prevent of treat the flu.
Recommendation
False and misleading claims about the safety and effectiveness of annual flu vaccination may contribute to hesitancy or refusal, which is especially concerning during a severe flu season. Health communicators may explain that claims suggesting that flu vaccination increases the risk of infection are based on limited or cherry-picked studies that have not been supported by larger, more rigorous research. Messaging may also note that major medical organizations like the American Lung Association and the American Heart Association continue to recommend annual flu vaccination to reduce the risk of flu infection, severe illness, complications like pneumonia, and death. Communicators may further emphasize that while vaccination earlier in the season offers the most protection, it’s not too late to get vaccinated to protect yourself and your family.
Fact-checking sources: Health.com, Everyday Health
Communication resources: Find talking points and tools to help you communicate about the flu
