A recent study shows that correcting flu vaccine myths may not be an effective means of promoting immunization.

“Our findings suggest that corrective information can successfully reduce false beliefs about vaccines. However, that corrective information may unfortunately cause people with fears about side effects to bring those other concerns to mind and thereby reduce their intention to vaccinate,” said Nyhan. “We need to learn how to most effectively promote immunization. Directly correcting vaccine myths may not be the most effective approach.”