The high-profile nature of the source increases the post’s risk. These types of trending narratives provide an opportunity to use prebunking messaging to explain how viruses change over time. Messaging may emphasize that viral variants are a natural result of mutations, which will occur for as long as a virus can spread between hosts. COVID-19 continues to mutate and produce new variants and subvariants, but not all are equally dangerous. In addition, an overwhelming majority of Americans have antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Talking points may continue to emphasize the importance of vaccines to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, long COVID, and death, and that especially for older adults and for the immunocompromised, COVID-19 still poses a risk.

Fact-Checking Source(s): Mayo Clinic

False claims and misconceptions about myocarditis have persisted for years, contributing to vaccine hesitancy. Prebunking messaging may explain that myocarditis was first described in the 1700s and identified as a distinct diagnosis in the 1980s. Research on the condition spans decades, including a 2016 study that found global myocarditis cases were rising. Debunking messaging may emphasize that myocarditis was and is very rare and that the general public is unaware of most rare diseases that don’t affect them or a loved one. Talking points may also explain that myocarditis is seven times more likely to occur after COVID-19 infection than after COVID-19 vaccination.

Fact Checking Source(s): Public Good Projects, Johns Hopkins

Prebunking talking points may emphasize that livestock vaccination to prevent disease outbreaks is one of the oldest forms of vaccination, dating back to the 1700s. Messaging may explain that some pork producers use mRNA livestock vaccines that have been rigorously tested for safety. Like all livestock vaccines, mRNA vaccines are not transmitted through meat products. The mRNA in vaccines can’t survive inside the body for extended periods and breaks down long before the animals enter the food supply. Debunking messaging may emphasize that mRNA vaccines don’t contain live viruses, and COVID-19 vaccines don’t contain any HIV component.

Fact Checking Source(s): USA Today, Reuters

The video received millions of views, increasing its risk. Debunking messaging may emphasize that natural immunity can only be gained by risking severe infection, long-term complications, and death from COVID-19. Vaccines provide protection without these risks, saving millions of lives and preventing even more hospitalizations. Policies that prevent disease spread protect individuals and communities and minimize harm during disease outbreaks.

Fact Checking Source(s):  Nebraska Medicine, CIDRAP

Prebunking talking points may emphasize that numerous studies, including the FDA study in question, have found COVID-19 vaccines to be safe for young children with an extremely low risk of serious side effects. Additionally, COVID-19 infection has been shown to significantly increase febrile seizure risk in children. Messaging may explain that the FDA study didn’t compare risk in unvaccinated and vaccinated children. It compared seizure risk only in the period immediately after and several weeks after vaccination. Messaging may also emphasize that the study found the overall risk of febrile seizures to be quite low—not unlike other vaccines—and concluded that “the safety profile of the monovalent mRNA vaccines remains favorable for use in young children.”

Fact-Checking Source(s): Vaxopedia, News Medical