![]() ![]() 11 Recent studies have highlighted the high volume of misinformation that is spread on Twitter and Pinterest regarding vaccines, their alleged link to autism, and perceived severe adverse effects. 11 For pro-vaccine tweets, the most common themes appear to be related to global vaccination efforts, scientific organizations, the efficacy of vaccines, and outbreaks that could have been prevented by vaccines. 11 Antivaccine tweets more frequently mention the risks or dangers of vaccines and distrust of scientific organizations and government. 11 Research from large datasets of vaccine-related tweets shows that anti-vaccine tweets are retweeted over 4 times more frequently than neutral tweets, while pro-vaccine tweets are retweeted one-and-a-half times more frequently. 10Īn alarming trend on Twitter suggests that anti-vaccine tweets receive more attention and are shared more frequently than pro-vaccine tweets. 9 Finally, a 2019 UK study indicated that the presence of vaccine misinformation may be associated with lower vaccine uptake. 8 In addition, a study by Dunn, Surian, Leask, Dey, Mandl, and Coiera showed that HPV vaccine uptake was lower in States where vaccine misinformation and conspiracies made up higher proportions of Twitter exposure, suggesting that negative representations of vaccines on this platform may reflect or influence vaccine acceptance. Visiting anti-vaccination websites for 5 to 10 min can increase perceptions of vaccination risks and decrease intentions to vaccinate. While a surge in flu severity may have driven increased vaccination rates for 2018 to 2019, increases in misinformation about vaccines may also limit vaccine uptake. 6 There is evidence that late reminders, including interactive options along with educational information, can increase late-season vaccination among populations in urban, low-income, and minority communities. 7 As flu season can last well into spring, getting vaccinated during these months can still offer protection, and ACIP recommends that vaccines should continue to be offered in the community throughout the influenza season. 6 Although most individuals who get vaccinated against flu do so earlier in the season, there is a need for ongoing vaccine communication for optimal vaccination rates. 3, 5 The Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices (ACIP), which is hosted by the CDC, recommends that individuals get vaccinated before the end of October. Peak flu activity usually runs December through February, and the season may end as late as May. and Europe, the season generally starts in late fall, around October or November. 4įlu season varies from year to year, and by world region, but, in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services target flu vaccine uptake rate of 80%. adults getting vaccinated-still far less, however, than the U.S. After a particularly severe flu season in the previous year, the start of the 2018 to 2019 flu season saw increased rates of vaccination among adults, 3 with around 44% of U.S. 2 Potentially life-threatening complications from the flu can often be prevented or lessened through vaccination. 1 In the United States (U.S.), the 2017 to 2018 flu season set new records for the high numbers of deaths and illnesses, killing around 80 000 people. Seasonal influenza, or flu, continues to be one of the more pressing global health issues, with more than 8 million severe cases in 2017. While this should be confirmed by further studies over multiple flu seasons, this a finding that should be considered by public health organizations when developing flu vaccine campaigns on social media. Flu vaccine related tweets appear to vary in misinformation level and density throughout the flu season. ![]() However, the presence of high barriers to flu vaccine uptake increased significantly from early to peak season, including an increase in the mention of conspiracy theories. Findings show several promising opportunities for health organizations and professionals: HBM constructs were present more frequently than in previous, related studies, and fewer vaccine-hesitant tweets appear to be present. Using a quantitative content analysis, 1000 tweets from both parts of the flu season were analyzed for use of Health Belief Model (HBM) variables, engagement, and flu vaccine specific variables. In recent years, misinformation regarding vaccines abounds on social media, but the flu vaccine is relatively understudied in this area, and the current study is the first 1 to explore the content and nature of influenza information that is shared on Twitter, comparing tweets published in the early flu season with those posted in peak flu season. ![]() The most effective way to prevent seasonal influenza is vaccination. Influenza epidemics happen every year, with more than 8 million severe cases in 2017. ![]()
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