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Communication Tool
Communicating About Chickenpox and Shingles
Use the messages below to share information about chickenpox and shingles with your communities and communicate how to prevent these diseases in children and adults. What is chickenpox? Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. Chickenpox typically results in an itchy rash and small blisters on the skin. …
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Alert
Vaccine opponents falsely claim that COVID-19 vaccines are the “leading cause of shingles”
Medium ImpactA user on an online forum for older adults asked people’s opinions about shingles vaccines. Responses emphasized how “horrible” shingles is and the lasting effects of the disease. Several posters shared their experience with the vaccine and explained the benefits of vaccination. In a separate forum for middle-aged adults, users discussed side effects of shingles…
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Alert
Singer’s shingles diagnosis sparks discussion about severity and vaccine effectiveness
Low ImpactIn an April 28 social media post, a British singer in his 30s shared that he is recovering from shingles, prompting discussion about the disease and the vaccine to prevent it. Many commenters share their experience with shingles, describing it as something they “wouldn’t wish on their worst enemy.” Several posts encouraged vaccination, while others…
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Misleading claim that chickenpox vaccine increases shingles risk spreads
Medium ImpactDuring a May 14 congressional hearing, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed that European countries do not recommend chickenpox vaccination because it increases shingles risk in adults. He suggested that the policy is due to data from “preclinical trials,” although he did not clarify the data or study he referenced. Social media users widely…
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“Post-COVID vaccination syndrome” study sets off a wave of speculation
Medium ImpactOn February 19, researchers at Yale uploaded a preprint study about “post-COVID vaccination syndrome,” an extremely rare collection of symptoms including fatigue, brain fog, and nerve damage that occur after COVID-19 vaccination. Some people with the condition also showed signs of reactivation of the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mono. This is similar to how the…