Axios.com first reported today on Twitter’s recent addition of an HHS “Know the Facts” information panel on monkey research. The panel, which appears when users search on Monkeypox or MPV, follows GLAAD’s reach and links to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) monkeypox (MPV) information, a reliable source of accurate information.
“Twitter’s action will not only help stem the tide of MPV misinformation, but is also a clear example of leadership that underscores that institutions across civil society can play roles toward addressing this emergency.” of public health,” said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “Although anyone can contract MPV, it is disproportionately affecting the LGBTQ community, particularly men who have sex with men, and it is urgent and critical that the facts about vaccines, treatment and prevention be widely and equitably disseminated.”
Screenshot of MPV’s Twitter dashboard, which appears when users search for “monkeypox” or “MPV”.
GLAAD also publicly shared calls for Meta, TikTok, and YouTube to add similar information and resources to monkeypox research:
Ellis continued: “Social media platforms have an opportunity now to step up and be part of the solution, instead of allowing misinformation about MPV and stigmatizing posts about LGBTQ people to spread. The window is closing for Meta, TikTok and YouTube to follow through on their commitments to protect LGBTQ users and all, by implementing the tools they have used to help contain other public health emergencies.”
GLAAD previously reached out to Meta, TikTok and YouTube for action on MPV. None have yet specifically committed to adding information panels to direct users to accurate information from HHS or other authoritative public health sources. YouTube has said it is increasing the circulation of video content from authoritative sources such as the CDC and has funded a series of short videos on Monkeypox with the Kaiser Family Foundation. TikTok has said they are “continuing to look at possible solutions”.
Last month, GLAAD’s annual Social Media Safety Index gave Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube failing scores for safety, privacy and LGBTQ expression on the platforms. No platform earned a score of 50 or higher out of a possible score of 100.
More about MPV
Last week, the White House National Monkeypox Response Team and HHS announced a strategy to expand access to MPV vaccines through an alternative dosing regimen that allows health care providers to administer up to five times the number of doses per bottle of JYNNEOS vaccine.
The program, announced through a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization, allows the JYNNEOS vaccine to be delivered intradermally, which requires a smaller dose, while ensuring the vaccine continues to meet safety standards and quality. The FDA and HSS noted that data and science support the new dosing regimen to be as effective as a single-dose subcutaneous injection, while also dramatically expanding the number of doses for more of the vulnerable population. The new dosing regimen is also applicable to immunocompromised people, including people living with HIV.
The FDA also announced that it is authorizing the use of the MPV vaccine, using the standard dose, in people younger than 18 years of age who are at high risk of MPV infection.
GLAAD’s fact sheet on media covering the outbreak and the MPV’s response: http://glaad.org/MPVfacts
GLAAD recently announced a collaboration with Gilead Sciences, as well as LGBTQ and public health organizations, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), and National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC) in response to MPV outbreak. Gilead has pledged up to $5 million in global funding to support a public education and vaccine hesitancy communications campaign, a public policy response and a global outbreak emergency fund.
