Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 23, 2025

Mass Production of Genetically Modified Aedes aegypti for Field Releases in Brazil
Published on: January 4, 2014
Fake News and vaccine hesitancy in the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil
Cláudia Pereira Galhardi1, Neyson Pinheiro Freire2, Maria Clara Marques Fagundes3
1Laboratório de Pesquisa em Comunicação e Saúde, Instituto de Comunicação e Informação Científica e Tecnológica em Saúde (LACES/ICICT/FIOCRUZ). Av. Brasil 4036, salas 512 e 504, Campus Expansão da Fiocruz, Manguinhos. 21041-361 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil. claudia.galhardi@icict.fiocruz.br.
Abstract:
This paper presents the evolution of fake news disseminated about vaccines and the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its adverse impacts on the current Brazilian health crisis. This quantitative, empirical study is based on the notifications received by the Eu Fiscalizo app, through which the Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp platforms were identified as the principal means for disseminating and sharing rumors and misinformation about COVID-19. We observed large-scale circulation of fake news about vaccines directly related to the Brazilian political polarization, which became prevalent four months after the first COVID-19 case was recorded in the country. We can conclude that this phenomenon was crucial in discouraging the adherence of segments of the Brazilian population to social distancing and vaccination campaigns.
Related Concept Videos
Vaccinations
Bias in Epidemiological Studies
Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
Pharmacovigilance
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...

