The anti-vaccine movement, historically rooted in misinformation and unfounded fears, gained strength and visibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccine hesitancy and refusal, driven by fake news and conspiracy theories disseminated on social media, represented a significant challenge for public health (Vignoli, Rabello & Almeida, 2021).
The motivations behind this hesitation are multifaceted, including institutional distrust, political influence, cultural aspects, and negative past experiences with the healthcare system. The dissemination of false information about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, amplified by social media, contributed to an increase in distrust and fear (Vignoli, Rabello & Almeida, 2021).
Political polarization has also played a crucial role in the spread of denialism, with vaccination becoming a politicized and polarized topic. Furthermore, distrust in government institutions and uncertainty about the effectiveness of public health measures have deepened hesitation (Abud & Souza, 2021).
The anti-vaccine movement, in times of pandemic, highlighted the need to strengthen health education, combat misinformation and promote trust in institutions and health professionals. Transparent communication and open dialogue are crucial to overcoming hesitation and ensuring the population’s adherence to immunization measures, essential for individual and collective protection. (Couto et al., 2021).
Reference :
ABUD, CO; SOUZA, LP Can vaccination against COVID-19 be compulsory in Brazil? The legal issue and political dispute. Health Surveillance in Debate Magazine, v. 9, no. 4, p. 4-15, 2021.
COUTO, IA et al. The causes and consequences of vaccine refusal in the Brazilian reality. Brazilian Journal of Health Review, v.4, n.5, p. 18893-18908, 2021.
VIGNOLI, RG; RABELLO, R.; ALMEIDA, CC Information, misinformation, disinformation and anti-vaccine movements: Materiality of statements in information regimes. Encontros Bibli: electronic magazine of library and information science, v. 26, e75576, 2021.
