Be Scroll Smart: How to Spot Vaccine Myths Online

1. Understand What You’re Up Against

Misinformation: False info shared unintentionally (e.g., a friend reposting a dodgy TikTok).

Disinformation: False info spread deliberately to mislead (think conspiracy threads claiming vaccines alter DNA). Both thrive on emotional reactions, fear, outrage, even humour, because emotions spread faster than facts. 

2. Pause Before You Share

If a post makes you angry, shocked, or smug, stop. Ask:

• Does this sound too good (or bad) to be true?
• Who benefits if I believe this? Research shows that exposure to vaccine misinformation can reduce intent to get vaccinated. 

3. Check the Source

• Is it from the NHS, UK Government, or a recognised health body?
• Does the URL look legitimate (avoid odd endings like “.com.co”)?
• Are other credible UK outlets reporting the same story? 

4. Look Beyond the Headline

Click through. Headlines are often sensationalised for clicks. Context matters, an old photo or quote can mislead when stripped of its original setting. 

5. Use Trusted Fact-Checking Tools

Bookmark:

• https://fullfact.org
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/
• https://www.who.int Reverse image searches can expose doctored photos. 

6. Spot Common Vaccine Myths

Here are some myths still circulating in the UK:

“Vaccines cause autism” – Debunked decades ago; no credible evidence supports this. 

“Natural immunity is better” – Natural infection can lead to severe complications; vaccines offer safe protection. 

“COVID-19 vaccines alter your DNA” – False. mRNA vaccines do not integrate with human DNA. 

“Flu jab gives you flu” – The vaccine contains inactivated virus; it cannot cause flu. 

7. Amplify Experts, Not Echo Chambers

Follow credible voices, NHS clinicians, UK public health agencies, and trusted science communicators. Sharing their content helps drown out the noise.