The misleading claim that doctors are paid or bribed by pharmaceutical and insurance companies to “push” vaccines is being widely discussed online after a U.S. senator hosted a hearing about alleged vaccine injuries on July 15. In addition, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently falsely claimed that vaccine profits are a “perverse incentive” for doctors to vaccinate their patients. Social media users thanked these figures for raising awareness about the issue, arguing that there should be no financial motivations in health care. Several physicians, medical groups, and media outlets refuted the claim, stating that providers often lose money by providing vaccinations. Others noted that pediatrics is the lowest-paying medical field and that doctors don’t become pediatricians for the money.
Recommendation
Vaccine opponents falsely claim that pharmaceutical and insurance companies bribe doctors to give their patients vaccines. Debunking messaging may explain that doctors do not receive payments from pharmaceutical companies to provide vaccines. Some insurance companies offer financial incentives to doctors to improve patient health outcomes and reduce health care costs by encouraging vaccination and other health-promoting practices. Health communicators may emphasize that doctors and health insurers recognize that vaccinations are an important part of keeping children healthy by reducing their risk of contracting vaccine-preventable diseases.
Fact-checking sources: New York Times, AP News
