This week, we’re looking at questions about why pediatric offices recommend vaccines—even for families who choose not to vaccinate—after a post ignited debate about community safety.
We’re also tracking responses to an updated Food and Drug Administration warning on mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.
But first, let’s look at the online conversation sparked by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent false claim linking the hepatitis B vaccine to autism.
Topic 1
False claims about childhood hepatitis B vaccine spark viral conversations online
What’s happening:
On June 30, Kennedy falsely claimed in an interview that the hepatitis B vaccine is linked to autism. The myth quickly went viral, sparking widespread conversation across the country, including in Minnesota.
Several social media users agreed with Kennedy and spread doubts about vaccines. Many said they felt ignored for questioning vaccines and felt validated by the false claims. Some falsely called the hepatitis B vaccine unnecessary and urged parents to avoid it.
Others pushed back, pointing to the overwhelming scientific evidence that there is no link between vaccines and autism.
Parents and pregnant people also asked whether hepatitis B vaccination was right for their children.
Why this matters:
Reactions to the false claim show that some Minnesotans still question whether vaccines cause autism, despite decades of research showing no link. There’s also confusion about why the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for newborns.
Click here for content debunking a link between vaccines and autism.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Hepatitis B is a liver infection that can cause liver damage, liver cancer, and even death.
Babies can get hepatitis B during birth or from infected adults at home—even if those adults don’t show symptoms. About half of people with hepatitis B don’t know they have it but can still spread the virus.
Infants or young children are more likely than adults to develop a lifelong infection if exposed.
The hepatitis B vaccine is safe, does not cause autism, and gives your baby early protection starting from day one. All newborns should get their first dose within 24 hours of birth.
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Suggested caption:
Your baby can’t ask for protection—but you can give it. Hepatitis B can lead to lifelong illness, liver cancer, or even death. Babies are especially vulnerable.
The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and starts protecting your baby from day one. Make sure they get their first dose within 24 hours of birth.
FDA warning on mRNA vaccines fuels mixed reactions
What’s happening:
In late June, the FDA updated its warning about the rare risk of myocarditis linked to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.
Many social media users reacted with concern, sharing negative comments about COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine mandates. Some described personal stories of alleged vaccine side effects and called the vaccines “dangerous.”
Others, however, weren’t alarmed by the updated warning and pointed out that COVID-19 infections can also cause myocarditis.
Why this matters:
Reactions suggest some Minnesotans are concerned about myocarditis but may not know that a COVID-19 infection carries a higher risk than the vaccine.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Myocarditis, or heart inflammation, can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood and cause chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat. It’s caused by viral infections like COVID-19 or, very rarely, by vaccination.
Unvaccinated people are significantly more likely to get myocarditis after getting sick with COVID-19 than someone who is vaccinated.
In extremely rare cases, myocarditis can happen after vaccination, but it’s typically mild. Myocarditis from COVID-19 is more common and often more serious.
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Suggested caption:
Myocarditis, or heart inflammation, typically develops after getting sick with a virus like COVID-19, causing chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat. In extremely rare cases, heart inflammation can occur after vaccination, but these cases are usually mild and resolve quickly. All COVID-19 vaccines are safe and work well to prevent serious infection and help protect your heart.
Talk to your doctor about when to get your next COVID-19 vaccine.
A recent discussion in a Twin Cities Reddit forum raised questions about pediatric offices that don’t accept unvaccinated children—or that continue to recommend vaccines even if they do.
Some Minnesotans expressed frustration with parents who refuse vaccines and pointed to low vaccination rates as a community risk. Others emphasized that unvaccinated children can pose a threat to people with weakened immune systems.
Still, some users felt that clinics shouldn’t “punish” families who choose not to vaccinate and said doctors shouldn’t “force” vaccines.
Why this matters:
Many Minnesotans still have questions about why pediatric offices strongly recommend vaccines—even for patients whose families decline them.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Pediatricians recommend vaccines to protect children from serious, preventable diseases like measles or whooping cough.
Every child deserves access to safe, reliable health care—no matter their vaccination status.
You can find options for pediatric primary care for your child by visiting ChildrensMN.org.
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Suggested caption:
Pediatric offices recommend vaccines because your child’s health comes first. Vaccines are safe and the best way to protect against serious, preventable diseases like measles or whooping cough.
Talk to your child’s doctor if you have questions about keeping them up to date on vaccines.
All of your hepatitis B vaccine questions answered
Hepatitis B is a potentially deadly infection that spreads through bodily fluids. It can have negative effects that last for life—but it’s preventable thanks to vaccines. Share this article with your community to answer their questions about hepatitis B vaccination.
Public Good News is a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to community health. We partner with trusted local voices throughout the U.S. to distribute accurate, accessible, and inclusive health news in English and Spanish.
