The impact of fake news on vaccine hesitancy and refusal: review and prospects on demystifying fake news

Abstract

Vaccination is one of the most effective strategies for preserving public health. In addition to preventing serious diseases, immunization helps reduce the spread of infectious agents, also protecting those who, for medical reasons, cannot be vaccinated, such as immunocompromised individuals. Although recognized for its positive impact on public health, vaccine hesitancy remains a recurring challenge. Hesitancy is influenced by several factors, including misinformation, lack of trust in health institutions, concerns about possible adverse effects, and the reach of awareness campaigns. To describe the available evidence on fake news related to vaccines and its impact on public perception and vaccination uptake. This study consists of an Integrative Literature Review (ILR) and a qualitative exploration of comments demonstrating vaccine hesitancy on the Ministry of Health website. A survey highlighted the negative impact of the spread of fake news about vaccination, especially on digital platforms. Misinformation, widely spread on social media, has contributed significantly to the increase in vaccine hesitancy, resulting in a worrying drop in adherence to immunization campaigns. This aspect, driven by distrust regarding the safety and efficacy of vaccines, puts public health at risk, as it compromises herd immunity, which is essential for the eradication of diseases. It is essential that awareness campaigns be strengthened, using a more proactive and digital approach, which directly reaches the audiences most vulnerable to misinformation, such as young people and groups with less access to scientific information.