Read this month’s newsletter to see the latest local conversations about…
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- Vaccines: A new measles case in Michigan fueled false claims about the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Plus, false claims spread about HPV vaccine safety.
- Mental health: Michigan media outlets reported on job cuts at Michigan Veterans Affairs medical centers, and social media users called for more resources to support veterans’ mental health.
- Opioids: A spike in overdoses in Ingham County earlier this month led to questions about naloxone.
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Scroll down to read more.
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Michigan measles case prompts questions about the MMR vaccine
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- On March 14, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported the state’s first case of measles since July 2024. The infected adult in Oakland County had recently traveled overseas.
- A Facebook post from the Central Michigan District Health Department announcing the measles case received nearly 2,000 comments, including many false claims about measles and the MMR vaccine.
- While some comments expressed gratitude for the MMR vaccine and fear for children who are unvaccinated, others falsely suggested that measles is not dangerous, that “natural” immunity is safer than the MMR vaccine, and that MMR vaccine ingredients are unsafe for children.
- Some comments also asked whether adults need an additional dose of the MMR vaccine to help protect against measles, which is spreading most rapidly in Texas.
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Why this matters: News of the Michigan measles case is causing a spike in online vaccine conversation across the state. Rather than being driven by well-known public figures or influencers with large followings, most of the comments and shares on posts are from (what seem to be) everyday Michiganders. This shows that the public is highly engaged on this topic, with many questions, comments, and concerns.
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What to expect when talking about measles on social media: Promoting vaccination is essential to help prevent outbreaks, and organizations should be prepared to answer common questions about who needs an MMR vaccine, where they’re available, and why researchers know they’re safe. Organizations may also encounter false claims when sharing information about the MMR vaccine, including myths that it’s unnecessary and causes serious health complications. Engaging directly with myths is not recommended, as it may detract from key messaging: The MMR vaccine is safe, and it’s our best protection against measles.
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Helpful messaging to share right now:
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- Measles is more than just a rash. It’s a highly contagious disease that can be deadly.
- The MMR vaccine has been rigorously tested and monitored for decades. The vaccine and its ingredients are safe for kids and adults.
- Getting vaccinated against measles is much safer than risking a measles infection, which can result in ear infections, pneumonia, and brain swelling.
- The CDC recommends that children receive one dose of the MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months and a second dose at 4 to 6 years.
- Adults born after 1957 who have not received any MMR vaccines or aren’t sure of their vaccination status should talk to their health care provider about getting vaccinated, especially before travel.
- MMR vaccines are available through some health care providers, local health departments, and many pharmacies.
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Suggested caption:
Measles spreads easily and can be deadly. The MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent measles, and it’s safe for everyone. Kids should get their first dose at 12 to 15 months. Adults who haven’t been vaccinated or aren’t sure should contact their doctor. MMR vaccines may be available from doctor’s offices, local health departments, or many pharmacies.
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Local VA firings raise concern about veterans’ mental health care
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- Several local media outlets recently reported that federal workers lost their jobs at Michigan Veterans Affairs medical centers due to budget cuts.
- Some Michigan-based social media users expressed concern for the mental health of fired federal employees who are veterans.
- Veterans online feared they could lose access to therapy and medications for mental health conditions or could face long wait times at local VA medical centers due to staffing shortages.
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Why this matters: Veterans are at high risk of mental health conditions and substance use disorder, and suicide is the second leading cause of death for veterans under 45 years old. Veterans already face barriers to mental health care due to stigma, cost, and limited providers and need to know what resources are available now.
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Helpful messaging to share right now:
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- Many resources are available to Michigan veterans seeking mental health care. VA mental health services can help veterans get care for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Veterans who are not enrolled in VA health care can also access some of these services.
- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has a Veteran Navigators tool that connects veterans to local support for mental health, substance use, housing, and more.
- Veterans and their loved ones who are in crisis can also contact the Veterans Crisis Line any time by calling 988 and pressing 1.
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Suggested caption:
You may be hearing news about changes to Michigan VA centers. Veterans seeking mental health support have many options, including:
-The VA helps veterans find mental health care and services, even if they aren’t enrolled in VA health care (go to bit.ly/VAmentalhealthservices).
-Michigan’s Veteran Navigators tool connects veterans to local support (visit Michigan.gov/WalkingWithWarriors).
-If you or a loved one is in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line at any time (dial 988 and press 1).
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Uptick in Ingham County overdoses generates questions about naloxone
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- On March 7, the Ingham County Health Department reported that there were six fatal overdoses and five nonfatal overdoses between March 1 and March 7. This marks the area’s highest number of overdose deaths in one week in the past two years.
- In response to social media posts about the overdoses, some commenters questioned what to do if someone is overdosing on opioids and where to access naloxone.
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Why this matters: People may be unaware of how to identify the signs of opioid overdose, where to access naloxone, and how to use it.
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Helpful messaging to share right now:
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- A person who is overdosing on opioids may show signs like shallow or slow breathing, loss of consciousness, cold or clammy skin, small pupils, and blue lips, nose, or nails.
- Naloxone—often sold under the brand name Narcan—is a lifesaving medication that anyone can use to reverse an opioid overdose.
- Naloxone is safe to administer even if you’re not sure if a person is overdosing or if they’re not overdosing on opioids.
- Naloxone is available for free for anyone in Michigan. Find where to get naloxone here.
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Looking for more opioid education content? The Download Center has new content on harm reduction and other topics.
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Suggested caption:
Although the opioid crisis is easing across the country, Michigan is still seeing overdose deaths.
Knowing how to spot the signs of an overdose means you can act quickly to save a life.
If you think someone is overdosing, always call 911 and give naloxone if you have it on hand.
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Social media users spread false claims about HPV vaccine safety
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- On February 27, a Detroit news outlet discussed a new CDC report that found that between 2008 and 2022, rates of precancerous lesions in young women screened for cervical cancer decreased by about 80 percent.
- Experts attribute the decline in precancerous lesions to the availability of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which has been recommended since 2006 to protect against HPV-related cancers.
- Comments on a March Facebook post sharing the news article demonstrated mixed opinions about the HPV vaccine. Some expressed gratitude for the vaccine, while others falsely claimed that the HPV vaccine is unsafe and causes infertility.
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Why this matters: Studies about the benefits of the HPV vaccine are often met with false claims about vaccine safety. Organizations may need to be prepared to correct common myths.
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Helpful messaging to share right now:
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- Most people will be exposed to HPV in their life. The virus can cause certain types of cancer, including cervical cancer.
- Research consistently shows that the HPV vaccine dramatically reduces rates of cervical cancer.
- Like all vaccines, the HPV vaccine underwent rigorous testing and clinical trials before becoming available. It has been administered for years around the world with no serious safety concerns and does not cause infertility.
- The CDC recommends the HPV vaccine for adolescents ages 11 to 12, but anyone between the ages of 9 and 45 can receive it.
- The HPV vaccine may be available from your health care provider or at community health clinics, school-based health centers, and local health departments.
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Suggested caption:
The HPV vaccine has been safely administered for nearly 20 years to help protect against HPV and related cancers. The CDC recommends the HPV vaccine for adolescents ages 11 to 12, but anyone between the ages of 9 and 45 can receive it. Talk to your health care provider or contact your local health department to find out where the HPV vaccine is available near you.
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No, vitamin A does not prevent measles
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False claims about measles recently emerged after a case was reported in Michigan. Correct common myths about measles and inform your community about the MMR vaccine, which is the best way to protect against the disease.
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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.
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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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