A U.S. senator’s May 11 letter revealed that a December FDA analysis found no children’s deaths were definitively linked to COVID-19 vaccines. The analysis contradicts a November memo, written by the FDA’s former top vaccine regulator, that linked COVID-19 vaccines to at least 10 child deaths. Many online responses noted that the analysis attached to the senator’s letter does not support his claims that the FDA concealed evidence of COVID-19 vaccine safety concerns. The senator continues to claim, without evidence, that COVID-19 vaccines cause heart attacks and sudden deaths.
Recommendation
False and misleading claims about COVID-19 vaccine safety may increase hesitancy and discourage vaccination—particularly when attributed to a high-profile political figure. Communicators may continue to lead with established evidence on COVID-19 vaccine safety and emphasize that the science has not changed: Over five years of evidence show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and that serious side effects are extremely rare. Explaining that COVID-19 vaccines have been extensively tested and monitored for safety is recommended. Communicators may also note that over 70 percent of the world’s population has received a COVID-19 vaccine, with no evidence of widespread health concerns. Finally, health communicators may continue to direct the public to trusted sources for vaccine information, including health care providers, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Fact-checking sources: CIDRAP, FactCheck.org
Communication resources: Find talking points on COVID-19
