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Plus, read this month’s newsletter to see the latest local conversations about…
Family planning, vaccines: Social media users shared false claims that acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy and vaccines cause autism in kids, after President Donald Trump spread misleading claims at a September press conference.
Vaccines: Evolving federal and Michigan COVID-19 vaccine guidance sparked an uptick in false claims that COVID-19 vaccines do not have benefits. Plus, a new study about the effectiveness of the RSV vaccine for older adults was met with similar false claims.
Gun violence: Discussion about youth gun safety education followed reports about a Michigan student who was expelled after disassembling a loaded gun that his classmate brought to school.
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Family planning, vaccines
Misleading claims link Tylenol and vaccines to autism
What’s happening:
On September 22, President Trump misleadingly claimed that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy is linked to autism. He also falsely claimed that Amish communities “have no autism” because they don’t get vaccinated, despite decades of research showing no link between vaccines and autism.
In response, the Food and Drug Administration clarified there is no proven link between acetaminophen and autism, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also confirmed that acetaminophen is safe to take during pregnancy. Some Michigan social media users repeated Trump’s claims. Others pushed back and shared accurate messages: Acetaminophen and vaccines are safe, and autism has no single known cause.
Why this matters:
Pregnant people may be unsure about how to safely treat fevers, something that can be dangerous during pregnancy. Plus, false claims linking vaccines to autism continue to fuel vaccine hesitancy. This is a critical time to help parents make informed decisions about the health of their children.
Visit the Download Center to find content debunking myths about vaccines and autism.
Medical experts, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, say that it’s safe to take Tylenol in moderation during pregnancy. It can help manage fevers, which may be dangerous for you and your baby. Decades of research show no link between acetaminophen and autism. Always talk to your health care provider about any medications during pregnancy.
Executive order expanding COVID-19 vaccine access is met with apathy
What’s happening:
On September 17, Governor Whitmer signed an executive order directing state agencies to remove barriers to COVID-19 vaccination.
Two days later, the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee recommended the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, but only after a discussion with a doctor or pharmacist.
Many commenters responded by saying that they don’t plan to get the updated vaccine and falsely claimed it doesn’t provide any benefits.
Why this matters:
Recent vaccine conversations have focused more on eligibility rather than the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination. This is an important moment to remind people how staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines can protect their health and reduce serious illness.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
COVID-19 vaccines help protect everyone—not just older adults or people with health conditions. They lower the chance of getting sick, reduce the severity of illness, and help prevent long COVID.
Staying up to date is important because protection fades over time and the virus keeps changing.
The 2025-2026 vaccine offers the best protection against newer variants, even if you’ve received previous versions.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the CDC recommend the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older after talking with your health care provider. Protection fades over time, and the virus keeps changing. Staying up to date is still the best way to help prevent severe illness, long COVID, and death. Michigan residents may be able to get this season’s vaccine at the doctor’s office, pharmacy, or local health department.
Posts discuss what kids should do if they find an unsecured gun
What’s happening:
September was marked by gun violence in Michigan, including the tragic church shooting in Grand Blanc that left four people dead and eight injured.
While much of the public response focused on that event, another conversation unfolded about kids, schools, and gun safety.
A Lansing mother recently defended her 11-year-old son, who was expelled in May after disassembling a loaded gun another student brought to school.
Many commenters criticized the school for punishing the student. Others said that the student should have alerted an adult instead. Many used the moment to urge parents to educate kids on what to do if they ever find an unsecured gun.
Why this matters:
As gun violence remains top of mind throughout the state, this is an important moment to help parents talk with kids about what to do if they encounter a gun—at a friend’s house, school, or anywhere else.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Anyone who sees or hears a potential threat to student safety can contact Michigan’s confidential OK2SAY tip line by calling 8-555-OK2SAY, texting 652729 (OK2SAY), using the OK2SAY mobile app, or visiting OK2SAY.com.
When talking to kids about gun safety, remind them to leave immediately if they see an unsecured gun and to tell a trusted adult right away.
Talking to kids about gun safety is one way to help prevent gun violence. Let kids know they won’t get in trouble for telling an adult if they see a gun. If you learn about a threat to student safety, contact Michigan’s confidential OK2SAY tip line: 📞 Call 855-565-2729 📱 Text 652729 (OK2SAY) And remember: Michigan law requires gun owners to keep firearms in a locked container or secured with a locking device when children may be in the home.
New RSV study prompts false claims about vaccine safety
What’s happening:
On September 3, a Michigan news outlet reported on a new study showing that the RSV vaccine may help protect older adults for two years.
Commenters falsely claimed that the RSV vaccine is unsafe or ineffective, and some accused the news outlet of promoting propaganda for “Big Pharma.”
Why this matters:
As RSV, COVID-19, and flu season begins, this is a key time to highlight the benefits of RSV vaccination—especially for older adults—and clarify who is eligible for each immunization option.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) usually causes cold-like symptoms, but it can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, and even death—especially in older adults, immunocompromised people, and infants.
Pregnant people between 32-36 weeks in September through January.
Getting the RSV vaccine during pregnancy helps protect newborns for the first six months of life. If the vaccine is not given during pregnancy, babies may receive an RSV antibody treatment to help protect them.
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Suggested caption:
RSV can cause severe illness, hospitalization, and even death. Older adults, immunocompromised people, and babies are more likely to get very sick. The CDC recommends the RSV vaccine for adults ages 75 and older, adults ages 50-74 with certain health conditions, and pregnant people. Babies can also get an antibody treatment if their parent didn’t receive the vaccine during pregnancy. Talk to your health care provider about RSV protection this season.
‘Sick to my stomach’: Trump distorts facts on autism, Tylenol, and vaccines, scientists say
False and misleading claims about autism, Tylenol, and vaccines continue to spread. Share this story to inform your community that vaccines are safe for kids and adults.
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