Surgeon General's Toolkit Addresses Health Misinformation

Preventing and addressing health misinformation is a top priority for Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. In a new Surgeon General’s Advisory and Community Toolkit for Addressing Health Misinformation, he is warning the American public about the urgent threat of health misinformation and calling for a whole-of-society approach to address it during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the future. Misinformation has caused confusion and led people to decline COVID-19 vaccines, reject public health measures such as masking and physical distancing, and use unproven treatments. 

The toolkit provides specific guidance and resources for health care providers, educators, faith leaders, and trusted community members to understand, identify, and stop the spread of health misinformation in their communities. It includes tips on talking to others about misinformation, common tactics, and more.

Two infographics are also available for communicating with the public: 

Infographic #1: Talk to Your Community About Health Misinformation

Infographic #2: Health Misinformation Checklist