This is with reference to the report “Flu shots are safe, Al-Falih assures parents after social media rumors” (Nov. 28). It is sad to know that people spread such rumors without even considering their possible consequences. In my country Pakistan, there was a misconception about polio vaccines, which hampered our government’s efforts to fight the crippling disease. I strongly believe that our religious scholars can play an effective role in dispelling such notions about vaccines and vaccination. In addition to that the scientific research centers working in the Muslim world should also make efforts to reject such unfounded claims in a scientific manner.

Social media has several benefits but the only negative aspect of this new form of communications is its tendency to spread misleading information very easily.