Analysis
A video that is trending across multiple social media platforms claims to show a young child who was severely injured by a polio vaccine. The most popular post received over 70,000 engagements, including nearly 5,000 responses. Many comments argued that vaccines are unnecessary because God gave humans “perfect” bodies that can create vaccines. Other posts expressed concern about vaccine safety, claimed that children receive too many vaccines, and boasted about their unvaccinated status.
Recommendations
The video’s widespread circulation increases its risk. Responding with empathy and acknowledging parents’ concerns about child vaccination is recommended, as is explaining how vaccination protects both children and their families. Messaging may emphasize that polio has no cure and that the vaccine is the only way to protect against the disease. Consider partnering with trusted faith leaders to help counter misleading claims about the role of vaccination in religion.