Analysis
Some social media users responded negatively to an upcoming national polio campaign in Afghanistan. Posts claimed that polio vaccines are “forbidden,” cause other diseases, and are “poison to Muslims.” Several posts stated that polio vaccines are for “infidels.”
Recommendations
The myth that polio vaccines are prohibited in Islam prevents some people from getting vaccinated. Communicators may wish to partner with trusted faith leaders to ease concerns about the status of vaccines in Islam and to explain that Islamic scholars worldwide encourage vaccination. Explaining that millions of children of all backgrounds and faiths safely receive polio drops each year is recommended, as is emphasizing that polio vaccines have been proven safe for decades.