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Multilingual posts on Facebook and X are resurrecting the claim that poliomyelitis outbreaks were caused by pesticides like arsenic and DDT, not a virus. Advocates cite a book (Dissolving Illusions) and claim polio “disappeared” when spraying stopped, implying vaccines played no role. Spanish language threads and US influencers share old photos of crop spraying to bolster the theory. The narrative dismisses virological evidence of poliovirus and undermines the reason for immunization.

An Associated Press investigation into falsified vaccination records, unqualified vaccinators and rare vaccinederived poliovirus outbreaks in Pakistan and Afghanistan has been seized upon to argue that the oral polio vaccine (OPV) “doesn’t work.” Critics cherrypick phrases such as “imperfect vaccine” to suggest that vaccination is futile or dangerous. The AP report actually illustrates programme mismanagement in specific areas; cVDPV occurs only when immunization coverage is too low and the weakened virus circulates long enough to mutate.

A social media user with over 52,000 followers posted several videos spreading false claims about polio vaccines. The videos, which claim to warn parents about the alleged dangers of polio vaccines, have been shared over 7,500 times and received dozens of supportive comments. One video features a U.S.-based vaccine conspiracist.  Responses to the videos claim that polio vaccines are “poisonous” and used to control the population. Others allege that polio vaccines contain ingredients that are “haram” or prohibited in Islam.

Two videos with 150,000 combined views feature a mother claiming that her children were vaccinated without her consent. The posts received hundreds of replies about vaccine side effects, such as fever and soreness, with some commenters explaining that these are normal vaccine reactions. The video does not contain any false claims, but the response indicates that some parents are concerned that side effects mean vaccines are unsafe.

Some social media users doubted the importance of polio vaccines following news that Yemen will launch a national polio vaccination drive on July 12. Some posts claim that polio vaccines are “poison” that will “bring a new virus,” while another argues that vaccines wouldn’t be free if they were good. Several commenters also suggest that the government should focus on fighting hunger instead of polio.

Health officials in Pakistan reportedly plan to launch a special IPV campaign targeting children up to age 15 in Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar. A social media user who identifies himself as a doctor responded to the decision by claiming that Pakistani children receive polio vaccines from the same people who give Israel weapons “to rain down on Gaza’s innocent children.” The post also suggests that Pakistan should test polio vaccines to “verify” their ingredients. Several responses to the post argue that no lab would be allowed to test polio vaccines. Some posts claim that vaccines are “poison” that cause autism and ADHD, while others suggest that polio campaigns are sinister, stating that “something black is in the dal (lentils).” One user claimed to be a doctor who is “against” vaccines.

On July 1, Pakistan confirmed a polio case in North Waziristan, bringing the total to 14 this year. As health officials urged parents to ensure that all children receive polio drops, a trending video and social media post declared that “the polio vaccine is a curse.” The post received dozens of responses claiming that polio vaccines are “not right” and “dangerous.” In the comments, parents boasted about refusing polio vaccines and other vaccines for their children. Other commenters promoted homeopathic (unproven and alternative) medicine over allopathic (conventional and evidence-based) medicine. 

On June 26, a popular Nigerian influencer partnered with Bayelsa state health officials to promote polio vaccination before the launch of the June 27 campaign. Meanwhile, a television and radio presenter participated in a walk to raise awareness about polio vaccines and promoted the vaccination campaign on his show. Many social media users thanked the men for using their fame to raise awareness, but some warned them to “be careful what you push for our children.” Several posts claim that polio vaccines are dangerous and suggest fake “natural” health alternatives to vaccination, while others argue that eradicating hunger is more important than fighting polio.