NBC’s ‘Today’ show deletes tweet on vaccines after backlash

NBC’s “Today” show, after considerable backlash, deleted a tweet Thursday asking if vaccines are safe and linking to its segment with actress Jessica Biel.

The show said it removed the initial tweet because it “included an irresponsibly presented headline.” Its new headline focused on doctors discussing “common vaccine myths.”

We removed the tweet, seen below, which included an irresponsibly presented headline. The article headline has also been updated. https://t.co/HPlkuhlwCY pic.twitter.com/s9cYrfjxPo

— TODAY Wellness (@TODAYshowHealth) June 13, 2019

The tweet in question had been screen-saved by Bloomberg’s Ben Brody, with the reporter noting how the “ratio” on the “Today” tweet was “amazing.” 

This ratio is amazing. Fortunately the tweet has been taken down pic.twitter.com/GaZy1CXFuo

— Ben Brody (@BenBrodyDC) June 13, 2019

A ratio on Twitter is a social media term that means the number of replies, invariably negative and critical, clearly outweigh the number of retweets of the content. In this case, the Biel tweet generated more than 1,200 replies and just six retweets. 

that ratio when @TODAYshow spreads anti-vax conspiracies pic.twitter.com/2eQjJlw5nk

— Ratio (@RatioAlert) June 13, 2019

Biel faced criticism across social media after she made an appearance at the California State Assembly alongside known anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lobby against a vaccination bill.{mosads}

The measles outbreak has extended to 28 states in the U.S., with more than 1,000 cases reported, with many of those in Brooklyn, N.Y. Most recently, Idaho and Virginia have been added to the list of states where the virus has been reported.

Public health officials in New York began issuing summonses to parents in April for failing to vaccinate their children against the measles.  

Adults face a $1,000 fine if a hearing officer upholds the summons. 

In April, President Trump weighed in with his first comments about vaccinations as president. 

“They have to get the shots. The vaccinations are so important. This is really going around now. They have to get their shots,” Trump told reporters. 

The Hill has reached out to NBC for comment.

Updated: 12:25 p.m.