Following changes to the CDC’s childhood vaccine schedule, some groups opposing vaccines are advocating to end vaccination requirements nationwide. These efforts are framed as support for medical or parental freedom. Several popular videos discussed legislation recently advanced in the Iowa House that would eliminate school immunizations. Commenters expressed concern about potential outbreaks and the safety of children in the state if the bill passes. English- and Spanish-language posts praised a proposed Florida Senate bill that would expand personal belief exemptions for school vaccinations. Many posts discussing the bill falsely claimed that the state has already ended all vaccine requirements.
Online users also reacted to proposed legislation in South Carolina and Connecticut to eliminate non-medical vaccine exemptions, with some claiming the laws would give the government “unchecked authority” to vaccinate children. Posts supporting vaccines emphasized their role in protecting children and criticized parents who decline vaccines, while opponents advocated for “parental choice” and expressed distrust in vaccine safety.
Recommendation
Increased legislative efforts targeting school immunization requirements reflect a broader trend that may reduce confidence in routine vaccines and lead some parents to delay or decline vaccinations. Health communicators may highlight decades of evidence showing that routine childhood vaccines are safe and have protected millions of children for generations. Messaging may emphasize that vaccines empower parents to protect their children from preventable diseases and their communities from deadly outbreaks. Explaining that vaccines work with a child’s natural immune response to fight disease is recommended, as is stressing the importance of herd immunity to protect the most vulnerable from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Fact-checking sources: CIDRAP, Factcheck.org, AAP
Communication resources: What to know about changes to the pediatric immunization schedule
