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Social media is increasingly used to spread misinformation about vaccines, according to a report that revealed that at least two in five parents are exposed to negative messages about vaccines.
The report of the Royal UK Public Health Society (RSPH) in the UK has shown that perceived risks of side effects are the main concern of those who choose not to vaccinate.
Most vaccines against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), flu and fear of side effects were the most common reason.
Although all vaccines have potential side effects, they actually affect only certain people – and are generally mild, short-lived and largely offset by the benefits of vaccination.
"It's been 21 years since Andrew Wakefield published his infamous and now widely discredited article on an alleged link between MMR vaccine and autism, and Europe is still suffering the consequences – as we have Have seen with the resurgence of measles rates in recent years, "said Shirley Cramer, executive director of RSPH.
"In the 21st century, it would be unacceptable to allow vaccine-preventable diseases to return and it is essential that we do our utmost to keep the UK in the position of world leader in immunization," said Cramer. .
The report explores vaccinations in the UK from childhood to advanced age, examining the role and barriers to lifelong immunization.
She revealed how much public concern about the side effects of vaccination continues to impede participation. "False" news on social media can influence the spread of these concerns.
However, attitudes towards vaccines were generally largely positive, with 91% of parents agreeing that vaccines are important for the health of their children.
The report also revealed that the key concepts of immunization were relatively poorly understood: more than a quarter of people (28%) mistakenly thought that "you can have too many vaccines".
The timing, availability and location of appointments have been identified as barriers to vaccination by the public and by health professionals.
Researchers advocate a multi-pronged approach to improving and maintaining vaccine uptake.
Efforts to limit "false news" about online and social vaccinations should be intensified, especially by the social media platforms themselves.
Vaccines should be offered in more places, including pop-ups, gyms and workplaces, using the largest number of public health workers.
"Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools we have to protect and improve the health of the population, saving millions of lives each year around the world. should not be underestimated, "said Cramer.
"History has taught us that fear and misinformation about vaccines can cause considerable damage to even the most powerful vaccination programs," said Cramer.
"With the rise of social media, we must guard against the spread of" false information "about vaccination.
"We have found worrying levels of exposure to negative messages about social network vaccinations and the spread of misinformation – if it had an impact on the use of vaccines – could seriously affect health PTI MHN MHN
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