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An epidemic of uncertainty: rumors, conspiracy theories and vaccine hesitancy

In this perspective, we argue that the epidemiological and social crises brought about by COVID-19 have magnified widely held social anxieties and trust issues that, in the unique circumstances of this global pandemic, have exacerbated scepticism toward vaccines.

s41591-022-01728-zDownload
Read on NatureMedicine

Related content

Projects
Combatting Vaccine Misinformation in Partnership with YouTube

Overview Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vaccine Confidence Project teamed up with YouTube and other health partners to reach people with credible information…

Projects
IRIS Academic Research Group

The IRIS Academic Research Group was founded by some of the world’s leading researchers and academic institutions and launched in June 2021 at the inaugural Global Vaccine Confidence Summit as part of the UK government’s G7 Presidency.

Data Visualisations
COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence in Africa

The aim of this study was to investigate public knowledge and perceptions of both the COVID-19 pandemic itself and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among adults (aged…

Projects
Public Perceptions and Uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine in Asia-Pacific countries

To identify knowledge gaps, beliefs and attitudes in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among adults in the Asia-Pacific region, the Vaccine Confidence Project conducted two waves of quantitative research in 2021 and 2022.

Podcasts
Global issues brought about by SARS-CoV-2 with Professor Kim Mulholland

In episode 13, our host, Associate Professor Nigel Crawford, speaks to Professor Kim Mulholland.

Podcasts
Heidi J. Larson on the Root Causes of Vaccine Hesitancy

Vaccine hesitancy and anti-vax sentiment have been around for as long as vaccines themselves have been available.

Summary

Date:

March 2022

Topics:
  • Vaccine Hesitancy
  • Rumour Management
  • Misinformation
  • Social, Structural and Emotional Determinants of Health
  • COVID-19
Authors:
  • Pertwee, E
  • Simas, C
  • Larson, HJ
Journal:
  • NatureMedicine

Latest content

Publications
Drivers of HPV vaccine hesitancy in New York and Florida

This study aimed to identify drivers of HPV vaccine hesitancy and effective public health interventions to increase HPV vaccination rates in two U.S. states (New York and Florida). The findings provide insights into the impact of demographics, state policies, and vaccine confidence on HPV vaccination.

Media and commentary
The Vaccine Integrity Project – Interim Update

CIDRAP releases interim update on its Vaccine Integrity Project, spotlighting global threats to vaccine confidence and outlining next steps to support equitable immunization efforts worldwide.

Media and commentary
How to speak to a vaccine sceptic: research reveals what works

The first thing to do if someone expresses uncertainty about vaccines to you, say researchers, is not to judge or dismiss them. A lot of people have genuine and legitimate questions and “you’re going to lose them if you immediately jump back and say ‘that’s silly’ or ‘that’s not the fact’”, Larson says.

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