Vaccines

Studies highlighting HPV vaccine benefits generate mixed response in Europe

Meanwhile, rising flu cases in Portugal sparked questions and false claims about the flu vaccine.

In November, articles highlighted two recent studies confirming that HPV vaccination dramatically reduces the risk of cervical cancer. In response, some social media users celebrated the HPV vaccine, while others made false claims about its safety. Plus, posts about rising flu cases in Portugal generated questions about vaccine eligibility and included false claims about flu vaccine safety.

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

On and after World Cervical Cancer Day on November 17th, articles and Europe-based social media accounts discussed two recent U.K. studies confirming that HPV vaccination dramatically reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer, particularly when it’s administered early. Most online conversation about the studies was concentrated in the U.K. and France. Some social media users highlighted the benefits of HPV vaccination and noted that the vaccine is not only for girls and women. Others falsely claimed that the HPV vaccine carries a high risk of serious side effects.

In late November, articles highlighted rising flu cases in Portugal and globally due to a new variant. The articles noted that while the current flu vaccine may not be a perfect match for the new strain, it remains the best protection against severe illness and death. In response to Portugal-based Instagram accounts promoting flu vaccination, some social media users expressed uncertainty about who is eligible for this season’s flu vaccine, and others said  local pharmacies did not have flu vaccines in stock. Some posts falsely suggested that flu vaccination is unnecessary and claimed that vaccines exist only to profit pharmaceutical companies.

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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.

In response to false claims about the HPV vaccine, messaging may emphasize that the vaccine helps protect against the most common cancer-causing strains of the HPV virus. The vaccine was thoroughly tested before approval to ensure it is safe and effective, with no serious safety concerns identified. Research consistently shows that HPV vaccine has significantly reduced rates of cervical cancer, and many countries recommend it for adolescents of any gender.

As a new flu variant continues spreading across Europe, messaging may continue to emphasize that even if this season’s flu vaccine isn’t a perfect match, it remainsthe best protection against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. In Portugal, this season’s flu vaccine is recommended and free for children 6 and 23 months, older adults, people with certain high-risk health conditions, assisted living residents, pregnant people, health care workers, unhoused people, and incarcerated people. Adults ages 60 to 84 and health care workers can get vaccinated at pharmacies, while other eligible people may need to get vaccinated at health centers.