Poll: Most Americans encounter health misinformation

At least four in 10 people say they have heard each of 10 specific false claims about COVID-19, reproductive health and gun violence, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey on health misinformation. Few people believe each of those false claims is “definitely true”, ranging from 3% who definitively believe COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility to 18% who definitely believe armed school guards prevent school shootings. Approximately 50% to 75% of the public are uncertain whether each of the 10 false claims are true, suggesting that even when people do not believe the false claims they hear, it can create uncertainty about complicated public health topics. KFF believes credible information sources and messengers can reach people and help restore trust. (Kaiser Family Foundation news release, 8/22/23)