In a January 30 post in a parenting forum, a mother asked for assistance in understanding online claims she saw about vaccine safety. The poster states that she and her baby received all recommended immunizations, but a surge in social media posts claiming that childhood vaccines are unsafe made her concerned about her baby’s upcoming 6-month vaccinations. The thread received dozens of responses reassuring the mother that childhood vaccines are safe and encouraging her to stay off of social media and speak with her pediatrician about her concerns. Several commenters explained that mild side effects are expected after vaccination but that vaccines are well-tested and safe. One commenter falsely claimed that “we don’t know the long-term safety effects” of childhood vaccines and another suggested the mother “do her own research” about vaccines.
Recommendation
Although the thread received relatively low engagement, it highlights the deluge of false and misleading claims about pediatric vaccines that new and expecting parents face online, which may make them hesitant about vaccinating their children. Messaging may explain that all vaccines go through rigorous safety testing, including clinical trials, before they are approved. Continuing to emphasize key messages is recommended: Vaccines are very safe. You are far more likely to be hurt by a vaccine-preventable disease than by a vaccine.
Fact-checking sources: Nemours KidsHealth, AAP
