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A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center

CDC, Experts Say Fluoridated Water Is Safe, Contrary to RFK Jr.’s Warnings

CDC, Experts Say Fluoridated Water Is Safe, Contrary to RFK Jr.’s Warnings

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and multiple expert groups endorse water fluoridation as a safe way to reduce tooth decay. However, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made a sweeping claim about fluoride’s effects on the nervous system, and promised to order the CDC to ban fluoride from tap water.

Viral Posts Misuse Rat Study to Make Unfounded Claims About COVID-19 Vaccines and Autism

Viral Posts Misuse Rat Study to Make Unfounded Claims About COVID-19 Vaccines and Autism

COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy benefits both mother and baby. Side effects are generally mild, and studies don’t show negative effects on the baby. A criticized study that gave COVID-19 vaccines to pregnant rats doesn’t show that vaccines cause autism or that people shouldn’t get COVID-19 vaccines, contrary to claims.

COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy Is Safe, Has Multiple Benefits

COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy Is Safe, Has Multiple Benefits

Being vaccinated against COVID-19 helps protect pregnant people from severe COVID-19. When given during pregnancy, the vaccines can also reduce the risk of hospitalization from COVID-19 early in a baby’s life. A new study adds to the evidence that vaccination during pregnancy is safe for babies, contrary to social media and online claims.

Taking Folic Acid, Not Other Folates, Is Recommended to Reduce Risk of Birth Defects

Taking Folic Acid, Not Other Folates, Is Recommended to Reduce Risk of Birth Defects

A folic acid supplement is recommended during pregnancy and prior to conception because it reduces the risk of neural tube defects in babies. Social media posts have claimed that people should avoid folic acid in favor of a different form of the vitamin, but folic acid is the only one that has been established to help prevent birth defects.

Limited Evidence of a Link Between Acetaminophen and Autism or ADHD

Limited Evidence of a Link Between Acetaminophen and Autism or ADHD

Q: Is the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy linked to autism or ADHD?

A: There is currently no strong evidence that acetaminophen use during pregnancy causes autism or ADHD in children. Expert groups continue to recommend use of the drug during pregnancy when necessary and in consultation with a doctor.

Moisture-Absorbent Tablet in Pregnancy Tests, Not ‘Hidden Plan B’ Pill

Moisture-Absorbent Tablet in Pregnancy Tests, Not ‘Hidden Plan B’ Pill

Pregnancy tests contain a desiccant tablet to absorb moisture and keep the test dry before use. But posts on social media falsely claim the tablet is a “hidden plan B” pill. Companies that produce pregnancy tests include a warning on their websites not to consume the desiccant tablets inside. 

COVID-19 Vaccines Reduce, Not Increase, Risk of Stillbirth

COVID-19 Vaccines Reduce, Not Increase, Risk of Stillbirth

There is no link between COVID-19 vaccination and an increased risk of stillbirth, despite such claims online. In fact, vaccination has been shown in multiple studies to reduce the risk of stillbirth by protecting pregnant people and their babies from the coronavirus.

Doctor Makes False Claim About Stillbirths in Canadian Hospitals

Doctor Makes False Claim About Stillbirths in Canadian Hospitals

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant people, and the World Health Organization says the vaccines are safe for them. Yet online articles cite a Canadian doctor who falsely claims that the vaccines have caused an unusually high number of stillbirths in Canadian hospitals. A hospital representative told us there was “no truth to this claim.”

CDC Data Thus Far Show COVID-19 Vaccination Safe During Pregnancy

CDC Data Thus Far Show COVID-19 Vaccination Safe During Pregnancy

Federal vaccine monitoring systems have identified no safety concerns with the COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant people. Preliminary Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show that miscarriage is not more frequent than expected in vaccinated people. Online posts, however, falsely contend that such data, as reported in a CDC publication, show an 82% miscarriage rate.