Jessica McDonald
@jjmcdona.bsky.social
Science Editor, FactCheck.org
Previously with WHYYNews, Science Friday, AAAS Mass Media Fellow at KUNC. Yale Immunobiology Ph.D.
Previously with WHYYNews, Science Friday, AAAS Mass Media Fellow at KUNC. Yale Immunobiology Ph.D.
Reposted by Jessica McDonald
This week's ACIP meeting was filled with false and misleading statements that are not supported by evidence. Here's an explanation of that evidence by two experienced science writers, one of whom has a PhD in Immunology from Yale:
www.factcheck.org/2025/12/vacc...
www.factcheck.org/2025/12/vacc...
Vaccine Panel, Voting to Change Hepatitis B Shot for Newborns, Shares Misleading Information - FactCheck.org
Upending decades-old guidance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory committee voted to no longer issue a blanket recommendation that all newborns receive a hepatitis B vac...
www.factcheck.org
December 6, 2025 at 1:20 AM
This week's ACIP meeting was filled with false and misleading statements that are not supported by evidence. Here's an explanation of that evidence by two experienced science writers, one of whom has a PhD in Immunology from Yale:
www.factcheck.org/2025/12/vacc...
www.factcheck.org/2025/12/vacc...
Our story on the Prasad memo: www.factcheck.org/2025/12/unpa... One expert told us his email is "factually incorrect, misleading and disingenuous.”
Unpacking the FDA’s Black Friday Vaccine Memo - FactCheck.org
The head of the Food and Drug Administration's vaccine division claimed in a leaked email that “at least 10 children" died from COVID-19 vaccination, using that to justify major vaccine regulatory cha...
www.factcheck.org
December 4, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Our story on the Prasad memo: www.factcheck.org/2025/12/unpa... One expert told us his email is "factually incorrect, misleading and disingenuous.”
It's already begun and is beyond what I even expected, but here is our preview/backgrounder on today's #ACIP meeting www.factcheck.org/2025/12/prev...
Previewing the CDC’s December Vaccine Advisory Meeting - FactCheck.org
The vaccine advisory committee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is scheduled to meet Dec. 4 and 5. On the agenda: the hepatitis B vaccine, the overall childhood vaccine schedule and s...
www.factcheck.org
December 4, 2025 at 4:44 PM
It's already begun and is beyond what I even expected, but here is our preview/backgrounder on today's #ACIP meeting www.factcheck.org/2025/12/prev...
Reposted by Jessica McDonald
Public health is under attack by a deluge of misinformation. We offer a consensus report from the American Psychological Association summarizing what we know & what interventions are effective in countering it. We provide 8 concrete recommendations. Open-access - awspntest.apa.org/fulltext/202...
October 23, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Public health is under attack by a deluge of misinformation. We offer a consensus report from the American Psychological Association summarizing what we know & what interventions are effective in countering it. We provide 8 concrete recommendations. Open-access - awspntest.apa.org/fulltext/202...
Reposted by Jessica McDonald
No FR announcement, inside 15-days, and now meeting date updated to “TBD” on ACIP website.
October 8, 2025 at 12:49 PM
No FR announcement, inside 15-days, and now meeting date updated to “TBD” on ACIP website.
One of my wonkiest yet. A deep dive on the single data point from Pfizer's COVID-19 maternal vaccine trial that's being used to argue against vaccination. www.factcheck.org/2025/10/vacc...
Vaccine Advisory Committee Members Mislead About COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy - FactCheck.org
A substantial body of evidence supports the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy, contrary to the suggestions of some members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine ad...
www.factcheck.org
October 3, 2025 at 6:21 PM
One of my wonkiest yet. A deep dive on the single data point from Pfizer's COVID-19 maternal vaccine trial that's being used to argue against vaccination. www.factcheck.org/2025/10/vacc...
Trump is back to calling global warming a "hoax." We break down some of his claims in his U.N. speech. www.factcheck.org/2025/09/trum...
Trump Misleads on Climate Change and Renewables at U.N. - FactCheck.org
In an hourlong address before the U.N. General Assembly on Sept. 23, President Donald Trump lashed out at those promoting "the green energy agenda." Along the way, he made numerous false and misleadin...
www.factcheck.org
September 26, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Trump is back to calling global warming a "hoax." We break down some of his claims in his U.N. speech. www.factcheck.org/2025/09/trum...
For those with questions about Tylenol, in light of the White House press conference, please see our story: www.factcheck.org/2025/09/trum...
Trump Administration's Problematic Claims on Tylenol and Autism - FactCheck.org
In a Sept. 22 press conference that he had billed as “one of the biggest [medical] announcements … in the history of our country,” President Donald Trump touted an unproven link between autism and the...
www.factcheck.org
September 25, 2025 at 4:40 PM
For those with questions about Tylenol, in light of the White House press conference, please see our story: www.factcheck.org/2025/09/trum...
So many claims in the autism presser, many of them familiar to us.
Check them out here, including Trump's more novel claim about giving the vaccines in MMR separately. That goes back to Andrew Wakefield (yikes!) & it's not even possible to do!
www.factcheck.org/2025/09/repe...
Check them out here, including Trump's more novel claim about giving the vaccines in MMR separately. That goes back to Andrew Wakefield (yikes!) & it's not even possible to do!
www.factcheck.org/2025/09/repe...
Repeated Falsehoods at Autism Press Conference - FactCheck.org
An hourlong press conference about autism was filled with false and misleading claims about the condition and vaccines from President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Ken...
www.factcheck.org
September 24, 2025 at 4:11 PM
So many claims in the autism presser, many of them familiar to us.
Check them out here, including Trump's more novel claim about giving the vaccines in MMR separately. That goes back to Andrew Wakefield (yikes!) & it's not even possible to do!
www.factcheck.org/2025/09/repe...
Check them out here, including Trump's more novel claim about giving the vaccines in MMR separately. That goes back to Andrew Wakefield (yikes!) & it's not even possible to do!
www.factcheck.org/2025/09/repe...
Some good background reading before today's White House announcement, by @kateyandell.bsky.social. www.factcheck.org/2025/09/the-...
The Facts Behind Claims on Autism, Tylenol and Folate - FactCheck.org
News reports have indicated Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may point to Tylenol and folate deficiency in his promised announcement on the causes of autism. But neither Tylen...
www.factcheck.org
September 22, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Some good background reading before today's White House announcement, by @kateyandell.bsky.social. www.factcheck.org/2025/09/the-...
Reposted by Jessica McDonald
Dear ACIP,
Informed consent is a state issue.
The Vaccine Information Statement is a federal document that needs to be give to people before vaccinating. CDC can change it - after a long process, and in consultation with the Advisory Commission of Childhood Vaccines.
1/2
Informed consent is a state issue.
The Vaccine Information Statement is a federal document that needs to be give to people before vaccinating. CDC can change it - after a long process, and in consultation with the Advisory Commission of Childhood Vaccines.
1/2
September 19, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Dear ACIP,
Informed consent is a state issue.
The Vaccine Information Statement is a federal document that needs to be give to people before vaccinating. CDC can change it - after a long process, and in consultation with the Advisory Commission of Childhood Vaccines.
1/2
Informed consent is a state issue.
The Vaccine Information Statement is a federal document that needs to be give to people before vaccinating. CDC can change it - after a long process, and in consultation with the Advisory Commission of Childhood Vaccines.
1/2
Reposted by Jessica McDonald
Today, #ACIP will be voting on #CovidVaccination. I will be examining a PhD viva at the time and won't be able to follow live.
So, to anticipate some of the claims that may be made on COVID vaccination in #pregnancy... 🧵
www.cidrap.umn.edu/sites/defaul...
So, to anticipate some of the claims that may be made on COVID vaccination in #pregnancy... 🧵
www.cidrap.umn.edu/sites/defaul...
September 19, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Today, #ACIP will be voting on #CovidVaccination. I will be examining a PhD viva at the time and won't be able to follow live.
So, to anticipate some of the claims that may be made on COVID vaccination in #pregnancy... 🧵
www.cidrap.umn.edu/sites/defaul...
So, to anticipate some of the claims that may be made on COVID vaccination in #pregnancy... 🧵
www.cidrap.umn.edu/sites/defaul...
#ACIP meeting today is veritable rehash of many vaccine misinfo claims.
Focused a lot on dubious claims of DNA contamination in the COVID-19 vaccines.
Please see here: www.factcheck.org/2023/10/scic...
Focused a lot on dubious claims of DNA contamination in the COVID-19 vaccines.
Please see here: www.factcheck.org/2023/10/scic...
COVID-19 Vaccines Have Not Been Shown to Alter DNA, Cause Cancer - FactCheck.org
Small amounts of DNA from the manufacturing process may remain in the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Purification and quality control steps ensure any leftover DNA is present within regulatory limits. There ...
www.factcheck.org
September 19, 2025 at 4:49 PM
#ACIP meeting today is veritable rehash of many vaccine misinfo claims.
Focused a lot on dubious claims of DNA contamination in the COVID-19 vaccines.
Please see here: www.factcheck.org/2023/10/scic...
Focused a lot on dubious claims of DNA contamination in the COVID-19 vaccines.
Please see here: www.factcheck.org/2023/10/scic...
Reposted by Jessica McDonald
If you read 1 thing today, please make it this: my so-talented colleague @ericboodman.bsky.social explains why babies in the US are vaccinated at birth against hep B — and what the human costs of changing that policy would be. www.statnews.com/2025/09/11/n...
Dropping hepatitis B shots for newborns would ignore history and endanger children, scientists warn
People who study, treat, or have hepatitis B say ending routine vaccination at birth - as some vaccine critics want - could lead to a resurgence of the virus.
www.statnews.com
September 11, 2025 at 12:28 PM
If you read 1 thing today, please make it this: my so-talented colleague @ericboodman.bsky.social explains why babies in the US are vaccinated at birth against hep B — and what the human costs of changing that policy would be. www.statnews.com/2025/09/11/n...
Reposted by Jessica McDonald
Our comment on the DOE CWG report is done. It tips the scales at 439 pages, approx. 3x longer than the DOE report.
This is related to Brandolini's law: The amount of energy needed to refute bullshit is an order of magnitude bigger than that needed to produce it.
Example: refuting one sentence.
This is related to Brandolini's law: The amount of energy needed to refute bullshit is an order of magnitude bigger than that needed to produce it.
Example: refuting one sentence.
August 28, 2025 at 1:13 AM
Our comment on the DOE CWG report is done. It tips the scales at 439 pages, approx. 3x longer than the DOE report.
This is related to Brandolini's law: The amount of energy needed to refute bullshit is an order of magnitude bigger than that needed to produce it.
Example: refuting one sentence.
This is related to Brandolini's law: The amount of energy needed to refute bullshit is an order of magnitude bigger than that needed to produce it.
Example: refuting one sentence.
This NYT story links to my story detailing the many flaws in a study RFK Jr. cited during Senate testimony to argue that there is reliable evidence that vaccines cause autism (there isn't).
nytimes.com/2025/02/12/u...
Final vote on RFK Jr. begins in about 20 minutes.
nytimes.com/2025/02/12/u...
Final vote on RFK Jr. begins in about 20 minutes.
Behind R.F.K. Jr.’s Vow to ‘Follow the Science’ on Vaccines
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cited a disputed study from a close network of fellow vaccine skeptics during his confirmation hearings. His critics say it is part of a pattern that raises concerns about whose ...
nytimes.com
February 13, 2025 at 3:08 PM
This NYT story links to my story detailing the many flaws in a study RFK Jr. cited during Senate testimony to argue that there is reliable evidence that vaccines cause autism (there isn't).
nytimes.com/2025/02/12/u...
Final vote on RFK Jr. begins in about 20 minutes.
nytimes.com/2025/02/12/u...
Final vote on RFK Jr. begins in about 20 minutes.
Let me highlight one claim here that hasn't received a lot of media attention, even though it is a blatant falsehood. (1/4)
www.factcheck.org/2025/02/fact...
www.factcheck.org/2025/02/fact...
FactChecking RFK Jr.’s Other Health Claims During HHS Confirmation Hearings - FactCheck.org
Here, we explain the facts behind several more of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s claims during his two Senate hearings as nominee for Health and Human Services secretary.
www.factcheck.org
February 7, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Let me highlight one claim here that hasn't received a lot of media attention, even though it is a blatant falsehood. (1/4)
www.factcheck.org/2025/02/fact...
www.factcheck.org/2025/02/fact...
Reposted by Jessica McDonald
I was interviewed and extensively cited in this factcheck.org article discussing the methodological flaws in the Mawson paper cited by RFK, Jr. in his confirmation hearings yesterday, and mentions other much more rigorous studies finding no vax/autism association.
www.factcheck.org/2025/01/rfk-...
www.factcheck.org/2025/01/rfk-...
RFK Jr. Cites Flawed Paper Claiming Link Between Vaccines and Autism in HHS Confirmation Hearing - FactCheck.org
In his second day of confirmation hearings, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, refused to say that vaccines do not cause autism -...
www.factcheck.org
January 31, 2025 at 6:01 PM
I was interviewed and extensively cited in this factcheck.org article discussing the methodological flaws in the Mawson paper cited by RFK, Jr. in his confirmation hearings yesterday, and mentions other much more rigorous studies finding no vax/autism association.
www.factcheck.org/2025/01/rfk-...
www.factcheck.org/2025/01/rfk-...
Really nice FAQ!
Hot off the presses: We @yalesph.bsky.social collaborated w/ @kkjetelina.bsky.social & Your Local Epidemiologist to answer 12 common questions about vaccines. Please read & share!
If you have more q’s, let us know…This is just the beginning 💉🩺🛟🧪
yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/the-dose-n...
If you have more q’s, let us know…This is just the beginning 💉🩺🛟🧪
yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/the-dose-n...
The Dose (November 22)
Resources that may be helpful, eggs are expensive again, new RSV data, and STIs are declining
yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com
November 22, 2024 at 7:35 PM
Really nice FAQ!
Make no mistake: Despite what he says (not "anti-vaccine," "an evidence-based person"), RFK Jr.'s track record on multiple health issues says otherwise.
A non-exhaustive summary of our previous fact checks of Trump's pick to head HHS.
bit.ly/4icMrtw
A non-exhaustive summary of our previous fact checks of Trump's pick to head HHS.
bit.ly/4icMrtw
As Trump Taps RFK Jr. for Health Secretary, a Look Back at Kennedy's Claims - FactCheck.org
In one of his most controversial Cabinet picks, President-elect Donald Trump said he would nominate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Here, we summarize our pa...
bit.ly
November 22, 2024 at 6:40 PM
Make no mistake: Despite what he says (not "anti-vaccine," "an evidence-based person"), RFK Jr.'s track record on multiple health issues says otherwise.
A non-exhaustive summary of our previous fact checks of Trump's pick to head HHS.
bit.ly/4icMrtw
A non-exhaustive summary of our previous fact checks of Trump's pick to head HHS.
bit.ly/4icMrtw
Just joined! Hoping to find some semblance of the old "science Twitter" here.
November 13, 2024 at 4:51 PM
Just joined! Hoping to find some semblance of the old "science Twitter" here.