A recent social media post highlighting the purpose of vaccine ingredients sparked false claims about safety.
The Department of Health and Human Services’ decision to cut millions of dollars from mRNA research spurred both support for the technology and continued myths about the safety of mRNA vaccines.
But first, the latest COVID-19 strain prompted conversation in Minnesota as the American Academy of Pediatrics released its own immunization schedule on Monday. In a break with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the AAP recommends COVID-19 vaccines for all children 6 to 23 months and for children 2 to 18 years in certain risk groups. It also urges vaccine access for any child whose parent or guardian wants them to get vaccinated. Expect more information on COVID-19 vaccine messaging from us soon.
Topic 1
New COVID-19 variant draws attention to symptoms
What’s happening:
A new COVID-19 variant, called XFG or nicknamed “Stratus,” is circulating in the U.S. and sparking conversations in both English- and Somali-speaking communities.
Online, Minnesotans discussed the variant’s symptoms, including sore throats, as well as concerns about the upcoming respiratory virus season and vaccine access.
Others, however, mocked people for having concerns, accused news outlets of fearmongering, and said Stratus wasn’t serious.
Why this matters:
While COVID-19 activity is still relatively low in Minnesota, emergency room visits and other indicators are increasing. Encouraging community members to watch out for symptoms and talk to their health care provider may help reduce spread heading into fall.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
The new COVID-19 variant may cause a sore throat or hoarse voice. Other symptoms are similar to previous strains, like fever and chills, congestion, cough, or loss of taste or smell.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and help prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
Talk to your health care provider about staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines. Doctors and medical experts recommend COVID-19 vaccines for most people 6 months and older.
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Suggested caption:
The newest COVID-19 variant in the U.S. is spreading fast. It may cause a sore throat or hoarse voice, along with other symptoms. Help stop the spread by staying home if you’re feeling sick and talking to your doctor about what vaccines you need.
Federal funding cuts to mRNA research ignite mixed reactions
What’s happening:
In early August, the Department of Health and Human Services cut $500 million in federal funding for mRNA research.
Some commenters emphasized the importance of mRNA research to save lives and shared concerns about protection against future diseases.
Others celebrated the cuts, falsely claiming that mRNA vaccines are dangerous, that pharmaceutical companies promote vaccines for profit, and that COVID-19 was a “lie.”
Why this matters:
False claims about mRNA technology may lead to distrust in mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines this fall and winter.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
mRNA has been researched for more than 60 years.
All mRNA vaccines go through several rounds of testing and trials to make sure they’re safe.
Hundreds of millions of people in the U.S. have safely received mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines.
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Scientists and researchers agree: mRNA vaccines are safe. mRNA research has existed for more than 60 years, and current mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines have been carefully tested to make sure they’re safe for you and your family.
Social media post on vaccine ingredients sparks backlash
What’s happening:
A recent social media post in Minnesota explaining the purpose and safety of different vaccine ingredients, including aluminum, drew backlash.
Many commenters falsely claimed that vaccines are unsafe and that immunity from an infection is better than getting vaccinated. Some demanded more transparency about vaccine ingredients and questioned the proven safety of aluminum in vaccines.
Other users celebrated the post and worried about how false vaccine information hurts communities.
Why this matters:
False claims about vaccine ingredients are common, especially around aluminum. With respiratory virus season approaching, it’s important to explain why ingredients are used and how we know they’re safe.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Every ingredient in a vaccine has a purpose. Each one is carefully tested and approved to make sure it’s safe.
Vaccine ingredients are publicly available online, and your doctor can answer any questions.
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Suggested caption:
Every ingredient in a vaccine plays a key role, including to make vaccines more effective against dangerous diseases like measles or whooping cough. Researchers carefully make sure all vaccine ingredients are safe. Ingredient lists are publicly available online, and your doctor can answer any questions about what’s in a vaccine.
The future of mRNA research goes beyond COVID-19 vaccines—scientists are also looking to use mRNA technology as a tool to battle cancer. Share this story to help your community understand the importance of mRNA research.
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.
