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Do flu vaccines cause spasmodic dysphonia?

The Claim:

In an interview with Joe Rogan, actor Woody Harrelson claims that RFK Jr.’s spasmodic dysphonia, which makes speaking difficult, was caused by the flu vaccine.

The Facts:

Spasmodic dysphonia is a rare disorder that makes it hard for a person to control their voice because the muscles in their throat move in an unusual way. Scientists don’t fully understand what causes it, but doctors believe it happens because of a mix of genetic factors and environmental influences. There is no scientific evidence that flu vaccines cause this condition.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. developed spasmodic dystonia in 1996, but in 2021 or even in 2023, he wasn’t making mention of it being flu vaccine-related.

Flu vaccines have been studied for many years, and millions of people get them safely each year. They help prevent serious flu infections, which can lead to hospitalization or even death, especially for young children, elderly people, and those with weaker immune systems. The flu vaccine is an important tool to keep people healthy and reduce the spread of influenza in communities.

Disclaimer: Science is always evolving and our understanding of these topics may have evolved too since this was originally posted. Be sure to check out our most recent posts and browse the latest Just the Facts Topics for the latest.

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