US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s social media posts about vaccines have sparked widespread concern, with nearly a million engagement on European platforms this year. The spread of misinformation has led to a significant increase in measles cases across the continent.
Researchers at Ripple Research analyzed over 220,000 posts and found that more than half contained false information. The US health secretary has repeatedly questioned the safety of vaccines, fueling anti-vaccine narratives among Europeans.
According to Alexei Ceban, immunization specialist at UNICEF Europe, there is a clear connection between misinformation and measles outbreaks. “Misinformation affects immunisation coverage…which leads to huge outbreaks,” he said.
Measles cases have doubled in Europe over the past year, with nearly 100,000 reported in 2024. Experts warn that increased vaccination rates are crucial to preventing the spread of the disease.
Social media platforms have struggled to combat misinformation, allowing conspiracy theories about vaccines and COVID-19 jabs to spread widely. Researchers have identified key moments when posts surged, often fueled by Kennedy’s social media activity.
“The scientific consensus is that the risks from COVID-19 vaccines are vastly smaller than those of the disease,” said Prof Heidi Larson of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. “We need to find ways beyond fact-checking to tackle the rise of individuals and groups that seek to undermine confidence in vaccines.”
As measles cases continue to rise, experts stress the importance of finding effective strategies to combat misinformation and promote vaccination confidence.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/2025/04/16/rfk-jrs-appointment-boosts-europes-anti-vax-movements-researchers-claim