Trending social media posts are promoting misleading and inaccurate claims about flu vaccines. Well-known vaccine opponents claimed flu vaccines “do not work at all” and shared a video asserting the “flu shot is no longer really necessary.” Some posts claim vaccines contain toxic ingredients, while others promote supplements and vitamin regimens as flu vaccine alternatives.
Rhetoric that downplays the potential seriousness of the flu or the effectiveness of flu vaccines may negatively impact flu vaccine uptake, increasing its risk. Prebunking messaging may emphasize that the flu shot provides the best protection against the flu by reducing the risk of infection, severe illness, and complications. Messaging may also caution against supplements and other unproven methods to protect against the flu.
