The RootsToSky.com/Covid Misinformation Files

Robert F Kennedy Jr recently said the MMR vaccine contains fetal debris and DNA fragments. This is where these claims come from, and why there’s no need to worry.

Measles once killed millions every year. Vaccines changed this, preventing disease, long-term immune damage, and deadly outbreaks.

Two of the most popular anti-vaccine newsletters, published by prominent anti-vaxxer Joseph Mercola and former New York Times writer Alex Berenson, are listed as having “Tens of thousands of paid subscribers” each. Both account for […]

Throughout the Covid pandemic we have made sacrifices to protect ourselves, those we love, and our communities. And yet, as the world responded to this threat, a subversive, established industry of anti-vaxxers has seen an […]

Disinformation Dozen: The Sequel reveals that one month after tech CEOs vowed at a Congressional hearing to crack down on the twelve main “superspreaders” of vaccine disinformation, this “Disinformation Dozen” is continuing to operate across […]

Just twelve anti-vaxxers are responsible for almost two-thirds of anti‑vaccine content circulating on social media platforms. This new analysis of content posted or shared to social media over 812,000 times between February and March uncovers how a tiny group of determined anti-vaxxers is responsible for a tidal wave of disinformation—and shows how platforms can fix it by enforcing their standards.

The campaign against vaccines is sometimes called a “movement”, but with the help of tech giants it has become a billion dollar industry, in which ideologues, hucksters and tech giants benefit from each other. That […]

Coronavirus has unleashed two parallel pandemics which reinforce each other.  One is biological: the virus itself – and the other is social: misinformation. Misinformed people put themselves and others at risk by taking dangerous quack cures, […]

Here you will find all of CCDH's research papers and investigations into online hate and misinformation.

Høeg has been skeptical of the safety and value of some vaccines and mandates, raising questions about her approach at the FDA.

Misinformation is making it hard for Canada to reach the vaccination levels needed to prevent the spread of measles, experts say as the country deals with the largest outbreak of the disease in almost three decades.

Conspirituality’s Derek Beres takes a critical look at Robert Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again movement. Beres notes how MAHA’s stated goals are incongruous with the Make America Great Again movement that it is linked to and makes a bold prediction about its ultimate endgame.

Unfounded claims about SARS-CoV-2’s origin continue to circulate, further complicating efforts to maintain a constructive, evidence-based public discourse.

This episode of NDN POV delves into the systemic racism faced by Indigenous peoples in the Canadian healthcare system, as well as the longstanding inequities...

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is committing “public health malpractice,” says a longtime epidemiologist.

A new cadre of officials might deal in evidence more than Robert F. Kennedy Jr. does, but they still question the worth of vaccines.

In St. Thomas, Ontario, Asmaa Hussain is on the frontlines treating unvaccinated patients. As vaccine refusal grows in Canada, she wonders if other preventable diseases are next.

If the health content you see on social media sounds too good to be true, it’s very likely false – but there are ways to check it out before sharing.

Scientific references on vaccine safety and efficacy

"My opinions about vaccines are irrelevant," Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said during the House hearing.

Statement available as a PDF here. As Congress scrutinizes sweeping HHS budget proposals, advocates demand inclusion, protection, and person-centered reform  “We don’t need to divide our community. We need to come together to protect those of us who are at risk of being harmed by the changes. It is not…

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long claimed a secret database holds the truth about vaccines and autism. Now that he's in charge, his anti-vaccine supporters wonder — can he deliver?

Even though David Geier is not a physician, he gave autistic children a dangerous, unapproved drug and improperly prescribed puberty blockers.

David Geier has repeatedly claimed that vaccines cause autism. Working alongside his father, he has published a number of studies on the subject that have since been retracted.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the agency is planning to study what causes autism and release results in September. Experts question how realistic this goal is.

Samoa’s top health official has denounced as “a complete lie” remarks that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made during his bid to become U.S. health secretary. Kennedy has said that some who died in a 2019 measles epidemic in Samoa didn't have measles. Samoa Director-General of Health Dr. Alec Ekeroma has told The Associated Press that it would be “a danger to us" and "a danger to everyone” if Kennedy is affirmed as the top U.S. health official this week. Kennedy’s detractors in the U.S. Senate say he contributed to fear of and misinformation about vaccines in Samoa which Kennedy denies.

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is disappointed by the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has a long record of spreading misinformation about autism in particular and public health in general. He is an unqualified and dangerous choice for…

Purpose Although COVID-19 typically presents with respiratory symptoms, it can also lead to severe neurological manifestations in children. While case reports of COVID-19–associated encephalopathy (including acute necrotizing encephalopathy) have increasingly appeared, gaps remain regarding optimal management strategies and outcome predictors for children with rapid-onset neurological decline. This report aims to underscore the critical need for standardized clinical approaches to severe pediatric COVID-19–related encephalopathy. Methods In this case report, We detail the case of an 8-year-old girl who presented with fever, rash, headache, and recurrent seizures. Her diagnostic workup included polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for SARS-CoV-2 and a range of neurological assessments: contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) to evaluate structural changes, transcranial Doppler ultrasound to assess intracranial hemodynamics, and electroencephalography (EEG) to monitor electrical activity. Intensive therapeutic measures—encompassing mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic support, antimicrobial agents, and corticosteroids—were initiated. In addition, a targeted narrative literature review of pediatric COVID-19–associated neurological complications was conducted to contextualize this presentation. Results The patient tested positive for COVID-19;imaging revealed brain edem, and EEG suggested brain death. Despite aggressive critical care interventions, her condition did not improve, ultimately resulting in brain death. Our review of current literature revealed several reported instances of acute necrotizing encephalopathy in pediatric COVID-19, highlighting a growing body of evidence on the potential for severe central nervous system sequelae. Conclusion This case highlights the importance of early recognition and close neurological surveillance in pediatric patients with COVID-19. Although accumulating evidence describes COVID-19–related neurological complications such as acute necrotizing encephalopathy, uncertainties persist regarding definitive treatment protocols and long-term outcomes. Greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms and standardized management pathways is imperative to improve prognosis in this vulnerable population. Clinical trial Not applicable.

Folklorist Timothy Tangherlini explains how certain basic human drives, coupled with social media, fuel the spread of conspiracies.

A new study finds that cultural habits of thinking, feeling, and acting had a big impact on how countries responded to COVID-19.