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The web and public confidence in MMR vaccination in Italy

Francesco Aquino1, Gabriele Donzelli2, Emanuela De Franco3

  • 1Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S. - University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy.

Vaccine
|July 25, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Declining measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination rates in Italy correlate with increased online searches and social media activity about autism and the MMR vaccine. This suggests new media may spread misinformation, impacting vaccine confidence.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Health Communication

Background:

  • Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination coverage in Italy has declined significantly since 2012, with no region meeting the 95% target.
  • A 2012 court ruling linking autism to the MMR vaccine is suspected as a catalyst for reduced vaccine confidence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between MMR vaccination coverage and online search trends and social media activity concerning "autism and MMR vaccine" between 2010 and 2015.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of MMR vaccination coverage data in Italy.
  • Monitoring of Internet search trends (e.g., Google Trends).
  • Tracking of social network activity (e.g., Twitter, Facebook) related to "autism and MMR vaccine".

Main Results:

  • A significant inverse correlation was observed between MMR vaccination coverage and online search volume, tweets, and Facebook posts.
  • Increased online discourse and search activity regarding autism and the MMR vaccine coincided with decreased vaccination rates.

Conclusions:

  • New media platforms may contribute to the spread of misinformation regarding the MMR vaccine and autism.
  • Media monitoring is a valuable tool for assessing vaccine hesitancy and designing targeted public health information campaigns.
Keywords:
MMR vaccineSocial mediaVaccination coverageVaccine hesitancy

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