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.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Commenters are skeptical of new COVID-19 variant symptoms
Medium Impact
Recent reports suggest that one of the symptoms of the new COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1 is stabbing throat pain, which some…
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HHS secretary removes ACIP members to “restore public trust”
High Impact
On June 9, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced that all ACIP members had been removed from their positions only two…
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Viral video promoted myths about tetanus vaccines
Medium Impact
An anti-vaccine chiropractor who was previously identified as a leading online source of false claims about COVID-19 vaccines shared a…
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Trending social media post stigmatizes postpartum depression
Medium Impact
On June 4, a social media user posted, “If postpartum literally makes mothers suicidal how is it safe to let…
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Dubious study revives the myth that vaccines cause SIDS
Medium Impact
A new study resurfaced the debunked myth that vaccines cause SIDS. The analysis of previous studies, which was authored by…
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Posts falsely claimed that being trans is a mental health condition
Medium Impact
Utah lawmakers recently announced that they will not revisit a 2023 law banning gender-affirming care for minors, despite a study…
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Conflicting COVID-19 vaccine guidance causes confusion
High Impact
On May 27, the HHS secretary shared a video in which he announced that the CDC will no longer recommend…
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Congressional hearing fuels misleading claims about COVID-19 vaccines
Medium Impact
A May 21 congressional hearing and report, led by a congressman who had previously promoted COVID-19 conspiracy theories, accuses federal…
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Children’s fentanyl-related deaths generate outrage
Medium Impact
Earlier this month, a Washington mother was arrested and charged with manslaughter after blood tests confirmed that her 5-year-old son…
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Commenters voice concern about COVID-19 vaccine restrictions
High Impact
On May 15, the Wall Street Journal reported that HHS will soon stop recommending COVID-19 vaccination for children, adolescents, and…
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Misleading claim that chickenpox vaccine increases shingles risk spreads
Medium Impact
During a May 14 congressional hearing, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed that European countries do not recommend chickenpox…
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Skepticism circulates about an infectious fungus spreading due to climate change
Medium Impact
A preprint study projects that three species of Aspergillus, a fungus that can cause severe lung and sinus infections, will…