Alerts
The alerts on these pages are based on the monitoring of publicly available data. While some alerts reference false claims, others are included to indicate gaps in knowledge, concerns, speculation, and other trending narratives. Inclusion in reporting is based on reach and velocity of spread and on whether conversations may impact health behaviors and decisions.
Topics Filter
Impact Level
Keyword Search
-
Viral social media sparks a debate about vaccine development and safety
Medium Impact
A recent viral social media post reignited the years-old claim that COVID-19 vaccines were developed “too fast.” The post garnered…
-
At-home nasal-spray flu vaccine sparks conversations about vaccine access
Medium Impact
Beginning August 15, the nasal-spray flu vaccine Flumist is available in 34 states for at-home administration for people aged 2…
-
Confusion circulates about COVID-19 vaccine eligibility
High Impact
In an August 8 email, federal health officials reportedly indicated that the FDA may not renew authorization for Pfizer’s COVID-19…
-
Rising flesh-eating bacteria cases spark conversations about climate change
Low Impact
Online conversations about flesh-eating bacteria in coastal waters have spiked as multiple states have reported cases. Although several species of…
-
Health official casts doubt on study that found no link between aluminum in vaccines and autism
High Impact
In a popular August 1 post, the HHS secretary cast doubt on a recent study from Denmark that found there’s…
-
CDC report on lower vaccination rates among kindergartners sparks false claims
High Impact
On July 31, the CDC published a report that found that vaccination rates for all vaccines among U.S. kindergartners during…
-
FDA panel fuels uptick in false claims about SSRIs during pregnancy
Low Impact
On July 21, an FDA panel discussed the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors during pregnancy. Most panelists misleadingly claimed…
-
News story sparks debate about the potential mental health risks of using AI tools
Medium Impact
Online discourse about the potential dangers of AI tools spiked after news coverage of a 30-year-old man on the autism…
-
False claim about COVID-19 vaccines reemerges
Medium Impact
Social media posts are recirculating the false claim that a preprint study co-authored by Florida’s surgeon general found that Pfizer’s…
-
Misleading claims about why doctors recommend vaccines spread online
Medium Impact
The misleading claim that doctors are paid or bribed by pharmaceutical and insurance companies to “push” vaccines is being widely…
-
Vaccine opponents attempt to discredit a large study on aluminum in vaccines
High Impact
Following HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s reported plan to “review” all vaccines containing aluminum, myths about the ingredient in…
-
Posts debate measles vaccination as cases reach 33-year high
High Impact
On July 9, the CDC reported that measles infections have reached their highest levels in over 30 years, with nearly…
-
HHS secretary falsely links the hepatitis B vaccine to autism
High Impact
In a June 30 interview, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. falsely claimed that the hepatitis B vaccine is linked…
-
Heat wave prompts discussion about antidepressants and heat sensitivity
Low Impact
In late June, as a heat wave gripped much of the U.S., social media users with large followings began discussing…
-
ACIP overhaul and meeting draw criticism from the public and experts
High Impact
Conversations about the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices June 25 and 26 meeting are trending online. Although vaccine opponents…
-
Historic US heat wave fuels online debate about extreme heat and health
Medium Impact
As much of the U.S. experienced a heat wave, social media posts discussed the health impacts of extreme heat. Many…