The Impact of Social Media on Vaccination: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Vaccine hesitancy poses a significant global health challenge, fueled by misinformation and anti-vaccination campaigns on social media platforms (SMPs). This study examines the influence of social media on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and non-COVID-19 vaccination in Asia during the peri-pandemic period. Through a comprehensive analysis of available literature, we aim to elucidate the role of SMPs in shaping vaccination attitudes and behaviors. The findings highlight the detrimental impact of social media on vaccination efforts and provide insights into addressing vaccine hesitancy during this critical period. A narrative review was conducted by searching the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases from inception to May 26, 2022. Only English-language articles involving human participants from Asian countries were included in this review. Out of the 228 articles identified through the database search, 14 articles were included in the final analysis. The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy or negative attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines in Asian countries was found to be high, ranging from 20% to 55% across countries. Notably, reliance on SMPs for vaccine-related information was associated with a higher likelihood of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. This trend coincided with the proliferation of misinformation and conspiracy theories that portrayed COVID-19 vaccines as harmful during the pandemic. Similar patterns were observed for other types of vaccines, including polio, measles mumps and rubella, and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccines. The use of SMPs was also found to be associated with increased fear among caregivers in Asian countries, as well as a 3–4 times higher likelihood of delayed immunization. SMPs negatively impact vaccine intent in Asia due to misinformation and anti-vaccination campaigns during the pandemic. However, they can be a powerful tool for healthcare providers and policymakers to promote informed decision-making. Efforts should focus on leveraging SMPs to disseminate reliable information and combat hesitancy, fostering a well-informed and vaccinated population in Asia.

Belief in Conspiracy Theories about COVID-19 Vaccines among Brazilians: A National Cross-Sectional Study

“…A hyper-connected population has turned social networks into fertile ground for spreading false information about vaccines, the COVID-19 pandemic, its treatment options, and other "instant miracle cures." This proliferation has severely compromised opinions about vaccine efficacy and trust in health authorities [40]. This dynamic is exacerbated by the speed and reach of digital platforms, where people can become confused and distrustful of each other as incorrect information spreads rapidly.…”

Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: A Cross-Sectional Study in Three Communities in the United States and Lebanon

“…We found that a large proportion of our study subjects (more in the US cohort than in the Lebanese cohort) obtained their health information from social media. In a recent narrative review, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy correlated positively with reliance on social media as a source of information [ 22 ]. Given its powerful influence, it is therefore important to use social media as a means of disseminating reliable scientific information in lieu of its use to propagate conspiracy theories.…”

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HPV vaccine uptake in a predominantly Hispanic Border Community: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the "Tiempo de Vacunarte Program"

“…Research studies have shown that using social media as a source of vaccine information without any other trusted source was associated with vaccine hesitancy [ 1 , 40 , 47 ]. A meta-analysis conducted on vaccine hesitancy showed that there had been a distinct rise in the phenomenon since COVID-19, with a 293% increase in articles published concerning vaccine hesitancy from the pre-COVID to post-COVID period, emphasizing the gravity of this issue and the necessity for public health measures to combat this phenomenon [ 22 ].…”