Role of the nurse in addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation on social media

Abstract

Vaccine hesitancy, defined as the refusal or delay of acceptance of vaccines, is a threat to the elimination and/or eradication of vaccine-preventable diseases, and therefore has significant implications for global health. Negative and conflicting vaccination information on social media can lead to vaccine hesitancy, including among parents who need to decide whether to have their children vaccinated. This article discusses the dissemination and content of vaccination information on social media, and explores the effects this can have on vaccine hesitancy and uptake. It also outlines various strategies that nurses can use to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation on social media.

Keywords: child heath; clinical; communication; health promotion; medicines; parents; patient education; patients; professional; public health; social media; vaccines.