COVID-19 vaccine rumors and conspiracy theories: The need for cognitive inoculation against misinformation to improve vaccine adherence

Abstract

Introduction Rumors and conspiracy theories, can contribute to vaccine hesitancy. Monitoring online data related to COVID-19 vaccine candidates can track vaccine misinformation in real-time and assist in negating its impact. This study aimed to examine COVID-19 vaccine rumors and conspiracy theories circulating on online platforms, understand their context, and then review interventions to manage this misinformation and increase vaccine acceptance. Method In June 2020, a multi-disciplinary team was formed to review and collect online rumors and conspiracy theories between 31 December 2019–30 November 2020. Sources included Google, Google Fact Check, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, fact-checking agency websites, and television and newspaper websites. Quantitative data were extracted, entered in an Excel spreadsheet, and analyzed descriptively using the statistical package R version 4.0.3. We conducted a content analysis of the qualitative information from news articles, online reports and blogs and compared with findings from quantitative data. Based on the fact-checking agency ratings, information was categorized as true, false, misleading, or exaggerated. Results We identified 637 COVID-19 vaccine-related items: 91% were rumors and 9% were conspiracy theories from 52 countries. Of the 578 rumors, 36% were related to vaccine development, availability, and access, 20% related to morbidity and mortality, 8% to safety, efficacy, and acceptance, and the rest were other categories. Of the 637 items, 5% (30/) were true, 83% (528/637) were false, 10% (66/637) were misleading, and 2% (13/637) were exaggerated. Conclusions Rumors and conspiracy theories may lead to mistrust contributing to vaccine hesitancy. Tracking COVID-19 vaccine misinformation in real-time and engaging with social media to disseminate correct information could help safeguard the public against misinformation.

COVID-19 Scientific Facts vs. Conspiracy Theories: Is Science Failing to Pass Its Message?

“…At the same time, conspiracy theory believers were less trustful of science and scientists and therefore less likely to follow COVID-19 recommendations and measures. The seriousness of these findings can be further appreciated, when combined with past studies, which found rejection of scientific facts due to conspiracy theories “criminalizing” medicine and medications [ 37 ]; for example, avoiding vaccinations to the point that eradicated illnesses are returning, avoiding the use of condoms and placing individuals at higher risk for contracting HIV [ 38 ], and most recently avoiding vaccinations for COVID-19 [ 26 ]. During this pandemic, we witnessed citizen groups pushing for uprising and asking others to join them in breaching the “stay-at-home” and “social distancing” regulations enacted by governments and strongly recommended by scientists.…”

“…Studies are reporting that refusing empirically supported medications and lifesaving vaccinations, rejecting the use of sunscreens, and turning to unsupported alternative medicine and rejecting the need for physical check-ups, are often linked to conspiracy theory beliefs [ 25 ]. Recently, [ 26 ] in a study reported alarming findings that showed that untrue rumors and conspiracy theories are leading people to vaccine hesitancy for COVID-19.…”

Healthcare workers’ (HCWs) attitudes and related factors towards COVID-19 vaccination: a rapid systematic review

“…One reason may be that rumours of COVID-19 vaccine information conveyed by mass media made HCWs lack confidence in the vaccine. 67 Another reason may be related to the fact that they had less opportunity (41.9%) to attend COVID-19 lectures and discussions. This suggests that we may need to provide HCWs with more vaccine-related training and education to increase their confidence in vaccines.…”

Vacinas Contra a Covid-19: Tecnologias E Análise Técnica De Composição E Implicações Na Imunização

“…Contudo, desde o início dessa situação de emergência na área da saúde, muita desinformação, por meio de notícias falsas, tem gerado confusão e levado à utilização, pela população, de recursos terapêuticos sem orientação e acompanhamento médico. Com a introdução de vacinas no arsenal contra a COVID-19, o cenário não é diferente (23,24); teorias de conspiração, rumores quanto à falta de segurança e a inédita, no Brasil "preferência" por uma determinada vacina, têm atingido não só o público leigo, mas também profissionais da área da Saúde, que, por sua vez, ao não considerar informações científicas sólidas, acabam contribuindo para um cenário caótico que se constitui em um grave problema de saúde pública.…”