The Role of Media and the Internet on Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting: A Case Study of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to determine the temporal association of print media coverage and Internet search activity with adverse events reports associated with the human papillomavirus vaccine Gardasil® (HPV4) and the meningitis vaccine Menactra® (MNQ) among U.S. adolescents. Methods We used moderated linear regression to test the relationships between print media reports in top circulating newspapers, Internet search activity, and reports to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) for HPV4 and MNQ during the first 2.5 years post-FDA approval. Results Compared to MNQ, HPV4 had more coverage in the print media and Internet search activity, which corresponded with the frequency of VAERS reports. In February 2007, we observed a spike in print media for HPV4. Although media coverage waned, Internet search activity remained stable and predicted the rise in HPV4-associated VAERS reports. Conclusions We demonstrate that media coverage and Internet search activity, in particular, may promote increased adverse event reporting. Public health officials who have long recognized the importance of proactive engagement with news media must now consider strategies for meaningful participation in Internet discussions.

Correlation of HPV Vaccination Status and Sexual Behavior: A Study of Adolescent and Young Women in Greece

“…In our population internet appears not to be a commonly used source of information in contrast to another Greek study of medical and nursing students of older age [36]. It is reported that comprehensive information is not adequately covered in the internet [37] and vaccination risks are exaggerated [38].…”

A New Index of Uncertainty Based on Internet Searches: A Friend or Foe of Other Indicators?

“…is the vector of 13 Some empirical research has focused on modelling the ways information is divulged via the Internet, and the speed at which this happens in matters far removed from the question of uncertainty: see, for example, Eberth et al (2014).…”

Evento adverso pós-vacinação e erro de imunização: da perspectiva epidemiológica à percepção dos profissionais da saúde

“…Há que se considerar que, em campanhas de vacinação e introdução de novas vacinas, as informações veiculadas na mídia podem contribuir para que a população fique mais atenta à importância da vacinação, com novos conhecimentos e busque um serviço de saúde diante de um EAPV, o que possivelmente, aumentará a notificação de eventos adversos (Eberth et al, 2014;Luna, Gattás, Campos, 2014).…”

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“…Nos a pandemia e acesso da população a informação, em geral, pela repercussão com notícias sensacionalistas da mídia televisiva e internet (Eberth et al, 2014;Luna, Gattás, Campos, 2014 (Desplanches, Linheira-Bisetto, 2016). …”