How Should a Safe and Effective COVID-19 Vaccine be Allocated? Health Economists Need to be Ready to Take the Baton

Roope, Laurence; Buckell, John; Becker, Frauke; Candio, Paolo; Violato, Mara; Sindelar, Jody L.; Barnett, Adrian; Duch, Raymond M.; Clarke, Philip

doi:10.1007/s41669-020-00228-5

Cited by 29 publications

(31 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…To eliminate strongly held but flawed cognitive predispositions, the government needs to increase the popularization of public science to communicate the side effects of drugs and strengthen publicity for all kinds of vaccines. Moreover, previous studies have indicated that once the vaccines are available, distributing them may become problematic [ 73 - 75 ]. The production capacity of vaccines has also been questioned by scholars.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Unfolding the Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in China

Yin¹,

Wu²,

Xia³

et al. 2021

J Med Internet Res

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Background China is at the forefront of global efforts to develop COVID-19 vaccines and has five fast-tracked candidates at the final-stage, large-scale human clinical trials testing phase. Vaccine-promoting policymaking for public engagement is a prerequisite for social mobilization. However, making an informed and judicious choice is a dilemma for the Chinese government in the vaccine promotion context. Objective In this study, public opinions in China were analyzed via dialogues on Chinese social media, based on which Chinese netizens’ views on COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination were investigated. We also aimed to develop strategies for promoting vaccination programs in China based on an in-depth understanding of the challenges in risk communication and social mobilization. Methods We proposed a novel behavioral dynamics model, SRS/I (susceptible-reading-susceptible/immune), to analyze opinion transmission paradigms on Chinese social media. Coupled with a meta-analysis and natural language processing techniques, the emotion polarity of individual opinions was examined in their given context. Results We collected more than 1.75 million Weibo messages about COVID-19 vaccines from January to October 2020. According to the public opinion reproduction ratio (R0), the dynamic propagation of those messages can be classified into three periods: the ferment period (R01=1.1360), the revolution period (R02=2.8278), and the transmission period (R03=3.0729). Topics on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in China include price and side effects. From September to October, Weibo users claimed that the vaccine was overpriced, making up 18.3% (n=899) of messages; 38.1% (n=81,909) of relevant topics on Weibo received likes. On the contrary, the number of messages that considered the vaccine to be reasonably priced was twice as high but received fewer likes, accounting for 25.0% (n=53,693). In addition, we obtained 441 (47.7%) positive and 295 (31.9%) negative Weibo messages about side effects. Interestingly, inactivated vaccines instigated more heated discussions than any other vaccine type. The discussions, forwards, comments, and likes associated with topics related to inactivated vaccines accounted for 53% (n=588), 42% (n=3072), 56% (n=3671), and 49% (n=17,940), respectively, of the total activity associated with the five types of vaccines in China. Conclusions Most Chinese netizens believe that the vaccine is less expensive than previously thought, while some claim they cannot afford it for their entire family. The findings demonstrate that Chinese individuals are inclined to be positive about side effects over time and are proud of China’s involvement with vaccine development. Nevertheless, they have a collective misunderstanding about inactivated vaccines, insisting that inactivated vaccines are safer than other vaccines. Reflecting on netizens’ collective responses, the unfolding determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance provide illuminating benchmarks for vaccine-promoting policies.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Unfolding the Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in China

Yin¹,

Wu²,

Xia³

et al. 2021

J Med Internet Res

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In addition to the individual health benefits described, there are other potential externalities associated with a successful vaccination program, including benefits to the economy (avoiding productivity losses), and in avoiding the cost of delayed assistance for other diseases, the publicizing of which may help to increase adherence to vaccination [ 49 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19, Fake News, and Vaccines: Should Regulation Be Implemented?

Marco-Franco

Barros

Vivas-Orts

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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We analysed issues concerning the establishment of compulsory vaccination against COVID-19, as well as the role of misinformation as a disincentive—especially when published by health professionals—and citizen acceptance of measures in this regard. Data from different surveys revealed a high degree of hesitation rather than outright opposition to vaccines. The most frequent complaint related to the COVID-19 vaccination was the fear of side effects. Within the Spanish and European legislative framework, both compulsory vaccination and government regulation of FN (Fake News) appear to be feasible options, counting on sufficient legal support, which could be reinforced by additional amendment. However, following current trends of good governance, policymakers must have public legitimation. Rather than compulsory COVID-19 vaccination, an approach based on education and truthful information, persuading the population of the benefits of a vaccine on a voluntary basis, is recommended. Disagreements between health professionals are positive, but they should be resolved following good practice and the procedures of the code of ethics. Furthermore, citizens do not support the involvement of government authorities in the direct control of news. Collaboration with the media and other organizations should be used instead.

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“… 8 A prioritisation framework proposed by health economists might aid with the development of these strategies. 9 …”

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confidence: 99%