Vaccines

Article highlighting low HPV vaccine uptake sparks controversy in Italy

Plus, a French study on COVID-19 vaccine benefits fuels debate.

In December and January, articles highlighting the benefits of HPV and COVID-19 vaccination generated mixed reactions among European social media users. While many commenters promoted vaccination, others amplified false claims about vaccine safety and effectiveness.

Insights brought to you by the reporters and science writers of Public Good News (PGN), a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to improving community health.

In January, an Italian news outlet reported that while the HPV vaccine could prevent nearly 3,000 deaths from HPV-related cancers every year, vaccine skepticism remains widespread: Seven out of ten parents reportedly believe that the vaccine is ineffective, and eight in ten believe that HPV isn’t dangerous. Social media posts sharing the article garnered thousands of views. Many commenters encouraged HPV vaccination, with some sharing personal experiences of HPV-related cancers. Others, however, falsely claimed that the HPV vaccine is linked to severe side effects or alleged that it exists primarily to generate profits for pharmaceutical companies.

On December 16, a German news outlet reported on a new French study showing that adults who have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine face a substantially lower risk of death from COVID-19 infection, as well as a lower risk of death from all causes. The outlet also shared a video about the study on Facebook, where it received thousands of views and comments. In response, many commenters questioned the study’s findings and repeated false claims that COVID-19 vaccines cause heart problems, cancer, and death. Others pushed back, urging vaccine critics to cite credible sources to support their assertions.

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Health messaging recommendations

The Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web and FAQ pages, and developing strategy for messaging about health.

Controversy surrounding the HPV vaccine persists globally. Messaging may reiterate that the HPV vaccine helps protect against the most common cancer-causing strains of the HPV virus and has been thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness, with no serious safety concerns identified. HPV vaccination has dramatically reduced cervical cancer rates, and many countries recommend it for all adolescents.

Similarly, false claims about COVID-19 vaccines frequently emerge in response to new research highlighting their benefits. In these moments, messaging may reinforce that COVID-19 vaccines are rigorously tested and continuously monitored using strict safety standards. Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccination remains the best way to help reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.