Welcome to the first newsletter from the Michigan Health Communications Initiative. There’s a lot of sickness in the state at the moment, and you can track levels of COVID-19, flu, and RSV here. Mask up, wash those hands, and let your communities know it’s not too late to get updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines. There are still several months left of respiratory virus season, and we’re here to help you through it.
We’re also tracking local news stories that generated conversation about birth control pill safety, the state’s gun storage laws, and Narcan.
But first, all those flu infections are prompting false claims about flu vaccines.
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Social media users falsely claim flu vaccines cause the flu
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- In early January, Michigan news outlets reported that the state is seeing a dramatic uptick in winter viruses like RSV and the flu, with some articles warning that low flu vaccination rates could contribute to disease spread.
- In response, social media users debated the safety and effectiveness of flu vaccines. Some falsely claimed that the vaccines cause the flu.
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Why this matters: Less than a quarter of Michigan residents have received this season’s flu vaccine, and false claims about flu vaccine side effects could further discourage vaccination.
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Helpful messaging to share right now:
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- The flu vaccine cannot cause the flu. However, you may experience some mild, short-lasting side effects after getting vaccinated, like muscle soreness or a fever.
- Getting this season’s flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against the flu and reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
- Flu vaccines are available through your Local Health Department or Community Health Board, or you can visit Vaccines.gov to find a pharmacy that offers the flu vaccine near you.
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Suggested caption:
Flu vaccines might cause some mild, temporary side effects, but you can’t get the flu from the vaccine. The flu shot helps protect you from getting sick with the flu, which can make you miss school, work, or important events. The CDC recommends the flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.
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In response to a bill expanding birth control access, social media posts repeat myths about birth control pill safety
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- On January 21, Governor Whitmer signed several bills that will expand access to reproductive health care in the state, including a bill that will allow pharmacists to directly prescribe and dispense birth control, beginning in April.
- While some social media users celebrated the bill, others falsely suggested that birth control pills are unsafe, calling them “poison,” suggesting that they cause “terrible side effects,” and inflating the risk of blood clots, which is a rare side effect.
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Why this matters: Widespread myths about birth control pills show ongoing confusion about their safety.
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Helpful messaging to share right now:
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- Birth control pills have been around for more than 50 years, and they’re up to 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy when taken as directed.
- Serious complications from birth control pills are rare. Your health care provider can help you find the safest option for you.
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Suggested caption:
Birth control pills are extremely effective at preventing pregnancy when taken at the same time daily. Plus, they can also help alleviate cramps, heavy menstrual bleeding, acne, and more. Talk to your health care provider about your health history and other medications you take to find the best birth control option for you.
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Trending conversations reveal confusion about gun storage laws
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- Another bill signed by Governor Whitmer on January 22 sparked debate. This bill will require the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to create informational materials about safe gun storage that school districts can send to families.
- Some social media users called the bill a “win” for gun safety, but others suggested that classes teaching children how to safely handle guns would be a more effective way to prevent gun deaths. Some were also unaware of Michigan’s 2023 law requiring people to store guns in a locked container when children may be present.
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Why this matters: The response to the bill shows confusion about state gun laws and the best ways to protect children from accidental gun-related deaths.
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Helpful messaging to share right now:
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- Michigan requires gun owners to store their guns in a locked container when children may be in the home.
- You can get a free gun safety kit and trigger lock from Project ChildSafe.
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Suggested caption:
Michigan gun owners are required by law to store guns in a locked container if children live in or may visit the home. You can get free gun safety kits and trigger locks from Project ChildSafe. In addition to storing guns correctly, teach your children to never touch guns and to tell an adult if they see a gun that is not locked away.
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Posts reflect widespread opposition to free Narcan
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- In the past month, boxes providing free naloxone—a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose—have been installed throughout Michigan, including on college campuses.
- In response to articles about the boxes, some social media users alleged that free access to naloxone “enables” drug use and expressed stigmatizing attitudes toward people who use drugs.
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Why this matters: These posts show resistance to a lifesaving harm reduction tool.
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Helpful messaging to share right now:
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- Naloxone, often sold under the brand name Narcan, is a lifesaving medication that reverses the effects of opioids in people who are overdosing, and it can be administered by any bystander.
- You can get naloxone for free from local harm reduction programs, naloxone boxes, and vending machines, or you can order it by mail. You can also purchase naloxone without a prescription at pharmacies and some grocery and convenience stores.
- Learn how to use naloxone from the American Medical Association or sign up for a free online training.
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Suggested caption:
Narcan is a brand of naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses. Everyone should have Narcan on hand, even if you don’t use drugs or don’t think your loved ones use drugs. You can purchase it without a prescription at Michigan pharmacies and many other retailers, and you can even get it for free via the mail or from a private vending machine.
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Everything you need to know about cervical cancer
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January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Know the signs of cervical cancer and how HPV vaccines help protect against it.
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PGN 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.
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Have feedback on this email? Please send it to Info@MIHealthComms.org.
Thanks for reading,
The MI Health Communications Initiative team
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The Public Good Projects, 401 Park Ave S New York, NY 10016, United States
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