More to Watch: Florida Department of Health Shares False Information About mRNA Vaccines
On September 12, the Florida Department of Health issued updated guidance advising against the use of updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, contradicting federal and public health officials who recommend updated vaccines for everyone 6 months and older. The guidance falsely claimed that the mRNA vaccines pose health risks, a stance that has been refuted by the FDA before. Experts interviewed by KFF Health News believe Ladapo’s guidance is politically motivated, aligning with Governor DeSantis’s stance against public health mandates. Even with COVID-19 cases rising, medical professionals have been slow to counter this misinformation, possibly due to fear of political repercussions. Previous KFF polling has found that most adults have at least a fair amount of trust in the CDC (66%), the FDA (65%), and in their state and local public health officials (64%) to make the right recommendations when it comes to health issues. However, when state and federal public health officials offer contradicting recommendations, the public may be confused on how to proceed.
Within a day of the vaccine guidance announcement, 25,600 social media posts emerged, especially in anti-vaccine circles, spreading false claims about the risks of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, including death, cancer, and blood clots. A top post on X from a doctor supporting the guidance garnered around 283,000 views,14,000 likes, 5,200 reposts by September 26. At the same time, posts debunking the Florida Department of Health’s claims also gained traction. One doctor’s thread criticizing the guidance as “antivaccine propaganda” and explaining the safety of mRNA vaccines received about 109,100 views, 2,900 likes, 840 reposts, and 20 comments, with most agreeing that Florida’s guidance was dangerous.
