Analysis
Some social media users doubted the importance of polio vaccines following news that Yemen will launch a national polio vaccination drive on July 12. Some posts claim that polio vaccines are “poison” that will “bring a new virus,” while another argues that vaccines wouldn’t be free if they were good. Several commenters also suggest that the government should focus on fighting hunger instead of polio.
Recommendations
Providing information before the upcoming vaccination campaign can help address concerns and reduce the spread of false claims. Health communicators may emphasize the dangers of polio, the benefits of vaccination, and the goals of mass polio vaccination campaigns. Messaging may explain that polio vaccines are safe and the only way to protect children from polio.