In the realm of social media, the vitriol from anti-vaccine activists has reached alarming levels. They label us as “the Sheeple,” “fascist censors,” and even accuse us of murder, hoping for the worst outcomes for our children. This hostile rhetoric has been directed at individuals like Jessica Turner, founder of the children’s clothing brand Free to Be Kids, and Mia Thompson, owner of another alternative children’s line, Little Explorers. Both women have faced orchestrated campaigns aimed at silencing them after they shared pro-vaccine messages through their apparel.
Turner recently showcased a shirt that reads “Vaccines Give Your Body Super Strength,” depicting a lighthearted cartoon that encourages healthy immune responses. Thompson has been displaying her “Vaccines Save, Bro” shirt for over five years. Both have experienced relentless campaigns from anti-vaccine communities bent on discrediting their businesses and intimidating them into retracting their pro-vaccine messages.
The harassment faced by these women is not an isolated incident. Numerous reports highlight the suffering of grieving parents who have been viciously attacked online by anti-vaccine advocates following the loss of a child. One mother was accused of “murdering” her son and faced derogatory insults. Another parent who shared her child’s tragic death due to the flu was labeled a “PHARMA WHORE” and received death threats for advocating vaccinations.
Turner recounts how the coordinated attacks began almost immediately after her shirt was posted on Facebook. Within an hour, hordes of anti-vaccine advocates descended on her page, creating the illusion of a larger movement. Despite her efforts to block these individuals, she has had to ban thousands. The situation evolved into a full-time job, with Turner feeling anxious about the attacks and the organized nature of the opposition.
Evidence suggests that these attacks are coordinated; social media platforms have seen organized campaigns originating from closed anti-vaccine groups. Erica DeWald, director of advocacy for Vaccinate Your Family, confirms this, stating that the harassment spans across multiple states and even countries.
The harassment extended beyond their clothing lines. Both Turner and Thompson have had to disable their Facebook reviews to shield themselves from a barrage of negative comments. Thompson noted that the anti-vaccine reviews overshadowed genuine customer feedback. Turner received a flood of false reviews accusing her of promoting “forced medical procedures,” despite her clear stance advocating for voluntary vaccination.
In a shocking turn, Thompson was doxxed after the release of her shirt, with her personal information and photos shared publicly, inciting threats against her family. Facebook’s lack of action left her feeling unsupported and vulnerable in the face of such hostility.
Furthermore, groups like “Beware the Needle” engage in targeted trolling, using the hashtag #vaccinessavebro to demean those who advocate for vaccinations. They have even gone so far as to share photos of deceased infants alongside accusations against parents who vaccinate.
While many individuals claim their children have been “vaccine-injured,” scientific consensus firmly debunks the link between vaccines and conditions like autism. Data from relevant health authorities reveals that claims of injury from vaccines are exceedingly rare, with compensations granted under a lower burden of proof.
The most disheartening aspect for Turner is the insistence from some that both sides of the vaccination debate deserve equal representation. However, she argues that the health of immunocompromised individuals must take precedence. Thompson shares a poignant story of a customer whose unvaccinated children rely on herd immunity for protection.
Despite the harassment, Thompson’s “Vaccines Save, Bro” shirt has remained her best seller for five years, while Turner reports strong sales of her pro-vaccine apparel. Support from the scientific community and fellow advocates has bolstered their resolve, with many voicing their solidarity.
Ultimately, while anti-vaccine bullies may be loud and aggressive, the majority of people recognize the importance of factual, scientifically-backed information regarding vaccinations.
In summary, the coordinated online bullying from anti-vaccine activists poses a serious threat to those advocating for public health. As these women continue to promote the importance of vaccinations, they also highlight the need for open discussions that prioritize the safety and well-being of all children. This further emphasizes the resources available, such as those found at Hopkins Medicine, which provide important information for parents navigating these discussions. For those seeking support in their family planning journey, you can also check out this fertility booster as well as insights on secondary infertility.