Confirmation bias is when people only believe information that reinforces what they already believe. For example, vaccine opponents may only believe information about vaccines being unsafe, and will reject any contrary information or facts. Confirmation bias is one reason people find it hard to let go of their belief in misinformation. Misinformed people often trust virtual or online sources, such as social media or podcasts. However, misinformation is increasingly coming from state and federal government agencies.
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
The last outbreak of cholera in Britain was in 1866; in the United States there has not been an outbreak since 1911. And yet today people are sick with this ancient disease in 32 countries, with more than 6,800 deaths reported so far this year already exceeding all of last year's toll of 6,000 deaths, which was itself a 50% increase on 2023.
Immunology is at a pivotal moment. The huge successes in public health brought about by vaccines are now facing erosion, as anti-vaccination sentiments spread around the world and the United States cuts funding to domestic and overseas infectious-disease research. Measles, for example, was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 by the World Health Organization, but in July this year, there were more reported cases than in any year since 1992.
The recent recommendation from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s advisory panel to restrict the combined MMRV vaccine for children under 4 is troubling. While the panel cites concerns about rare fever-related seizures, the broader implications risk undermining confidence in vaccines that have protected generations from measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox. Parents already face challenges navigating vaccine schedules. Replacing a single shot with multiple appointments complicates the process and may lower vaccination rates at a time when preventable disease outbreaks are resurging.
Susan Green developed a stubborn cough in December 2023. It has never gone away. Nearly two years after contracting respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, Green, now aged 72, still suffers from chest congestion and a phlegmy cough. Because she coughs so much when lying down, she has to elevate the head of her bed in order to breathe easier and get a good night's sleep.
We know that vaccines do not cause autism, said the WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic. Vaccines, as I said, save countless lives. So this is something that science has proven, and these things should not be really questioned.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices starts meeting today to discuss vaccine recommendations. The committee's decisions have a significant influence on who will have access to COVID vaccines this fall and whether babies get vaccinated against Hepatitis B. Many health and medical experts are paying close attention to what comes from the meeting because the Trump administration recently changed all of the committee members.
During the hearing, Barrasso addressed Kennedy, saying, In your confirmation hearings you promised to uphold the highest standards for vaccines. Since then, I've grown deeply concerned. The public has seen measles outbreaks, leadership of the National Institute of Health questioning the use of mRNA vaccines, the recently confirmed director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fired. Americans don't know who to rely on.
US health secretary and vaccine sceptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr has called for the retraction of a Danish study that found no link between aluminium in vaccines and chronic diseases in children a rare move for a US public official. Aluminium has been used for almost a century to enhance the immune system's response to some vaccines. But some people claim the ingredient is linked to rising rates of childhood disorders such as autism.
Prasad’s departure from his role as chief medical and scientific officer of the FDA following decisions that angered both pro- and anti-vaccine factions highlights the complexities of navigating public health regulations.
Banning vaccine ingredients without cause increases the perceived risk of vaccines, according to prominent health groups. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. rescinded thimerosal's use despite no evidence of harm.
