Vaccine misinformation
False or misleading information related to vaccines / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Misinformation related to immunization and the use of vaccines circulates in mass media and social media[1][2][3] in spite of the fact that there is no serious hesitancy or debate within mainstream medical and scientific circles about the benefits of vaccination.[4] Unsubstantiated safety concerns related to vaccines are often presented on the internet as being scientific information.[5] A large proportion of internet sources on the topic are mostly inaccurate which can lead people searching for information to form misconceptions relating to vaccines.[6]
Although opposition to vaccination has existed for centuries, the internet and social media have recently facilitated the spread of vaccine-related misinformation.[7] Intentional spreading of false information and conspiracy theories have been propagated by the general public and celebrities.[8] Active disinformation campaigns by foreign actors are related to increases in negative discussions online and decreases in vaccination use over time.[9]
Misinformation related to vaccination leads to vaccine hesitancy which fuels disease outbreaks.[9] As of 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine hesitancy was considered one of the top ten threats to global health by the World Health Organization.[1][10]