Checking If Something Is Misinformation Using The SIFT Method

The SIFT method is becoming popularized as a tool for checking misinformation. Let me break down how to use it. First of all, SIFT is an acronym that stands for Stop, Investigate, Find, and Trace.

One recent claim I’ve seen floating around the internet is the claim that the measles vaccine "wains very quickly", and cannot adequately protect people.

Step 1: Stop

Before reacting to this, we need to stop and consider the impact. The first thing that I think about is that this statement will probably convince people to not get vaccinated against measles, which makes me think, "Who would want to encourage that and why?"

Step 2: Investigate the Source

Now we look into where these claims are coming from. The source of this statement is Robert Kennedy. At first glance, it might seem like RFK is a credible source, because he is The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). But let's look further:

Further info from news sites about RFK

Despite holding this high up position in government, Kennedy actually has a long history of saying miseading and false statements.

He’s claimed that vaccines cause autism, that wifi causes cancer, and that HIV doesn’t cause AIDs. Many people have long-standing skepticism of government institutions and pharmaceutical companies due to real stories of misconduct, such as the Thalidomide Scandal and the Tuskegee Experiment. Unfortunately, these real stories can be harnessed by the wrong people to create a “truth sandwich”. This is a term for when misinformation is sandwiched between real stories to make it sound more real.  RFK's statements often build off of real emotional fears, while being false.

Step 3: Find Better Coverage

At this stage, it’s clear to me that this claim is false. However, let’s continue to verify it further, by reading reporting from other sources, such as  reputable news outlets and health organizations. 

• FactCheck.org reported that Kennedy downplayed the seriousness of the Texas measles outbreak, inaccurately stating that hospitalizations were mainly for quarantine and that the situation was "not unusual."

• Politico noted that Kennedy publicly endorsed the MMR vaccine but he also spoke out against it on television, citing unfounded safety concerns.

Step 4: Trace Claims

Examine the original statements:

• During a Cabinet meeting, RFK claimed that hospitalizations were mainly for quarantine and that the outbreak was "not unusual," which was misleading given the severity of the situation.  FactCheck.org

• CNN recently did a story  about the origins of this misinformation, which was popularized by a doctor who lost his medical license. They cross referenced the Infectious Disease Society of America, who claim, “There are no reported deaths from the vaccine among healthy people,”

• Now that this claim is spreading and he is gaining criticism, RFK has backpedalled, and in a CBS News interview, he urged people to get vaccinated against measles.

Conclusion

This claim is false. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s statements about measles have been inconsistent and most of them have been very misleading. It's likely that you will be confronted with similar misinformation, so it is important to verify claims using trusted sources and methods such as SIFT, because misinformation like this can drastically impact people's health if false claims are heeded.