Analysis
A social media user with over 33,000 followers posted several myths about polio vaccines—and vaccines generally—over the last few days. In one post, he falsely claims that polio didn’t exist until polio vaccines were introduced. The post received several supportive responses. In a video post with nearly 7,000 views, he accused Bill Gates of using vaccines to reduce the global population.
Recommendations
The posts show the continued spread of myths and conspiracy theories about polio and the importance of polio vaccines. Health messengers may respond to these false claims by explaining that polio was discovered centuries before any vaccines were available. Vaccination is the only way to prevent polio and is responsible for eliminating wild polio in most countries worldwide. Messaging may continue to emphasize that polio vaccines are well-tested and have been used safely for generations.