Rumors, false information and confusing statements about science and medicine persist across traditional and social media. A new feature at AAP.org aims to add clarity on topics for pediatricians, parents and media seeking the best information.
Fact Checked, which launched in March, provides facts, evidence and expert comments on vaccines, measles, raw milk, fluoride and abusive head trauma. Additional articles will be added to the library of topics at aap.org/en/news-room/fact-checked.
“We live in a time where everyone has access to an incredible amount of information, yet it is not easy to tell what to trust,” said AAP CEO/Executive Vice President Mark Del Monte, J.D. “As a trusted resource for pediatricians, parents and the public, the Academy has a critical responsibility to enter these conversations as the voice of science-backed truth.”
Articles on measles and immunizations are especially important as measles outbreaks spread across the U.S. Articles include “The Measles Vaccine is Safe and Effective,” “Immunizations Are Essential for Public Health and Child Safety” and “Vitamin A Does Not Prevent Measles.”
Each Fact Checked article states a popular source of confusion and explains why that claim is spreading; debunks the claim with facts and the supporting evidence; explains why the issue is important for child health; and ends with a quote from an expert doctor. Links to resources on the topic from the AAP and other organizations also are provided.
The AAP will be sharing Fact Checked articles via social media and other communications.
“Our goal with this innovative project was to address growing topics of misinformation but in a way that was easily accessed and wrapped in truth,” Del Monte said. “We want media, members, parents and others to have clear, accurate information delivered by our experts along with additional resources to learn more. In today’s digital world, content has to be brief and able to be widely shared.”
