False claims and conspiracy theories about measles continued to circulate online this week as the measles outbreak that began in Texas spread to a third state. Many conversations focused on vitamin A as a vaccine alternative, a response to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s promotion of the vitamin to treat measles. Vaccine opponents suggested vaccination is unnecessary because improved sanitation and hygiene are responsible for declining measles rates and advocated for natural immunity instead of vaccination. Social media posts repeated the myth that MMR vaccines cause autism, claimed without evidence that the vaccine has caused far more deaths than measles, and speculated that the measles outbreak is a ploy to introduce a combination measles-COVID-19 vaccine. Meanwhile, Florida’s surgeon general appeared to downplay the importance of vaccination, describing it as an “option” for parents who want it and repeating Kennedy’s recommendation to use vitamin A as a measles treatment.
Recommendation
Debunking messaging may explain that vaccination is the only way to prevent measles and that the MMR vaccine is 97 percent effective against infection. Messaging may also emphasize that vitamins and supplements do not prevent measles and are not a substitute for vaccination. Talking points may highlight that while improved sanitation and hygiene may help reduce the spread of measles, they are not enough to prevent outbreaks.
Fact-checking sources: Science Feedback, Johns Hopkins
