Overcoming Misinformation Starts With 1 Person at a Time

Overcoming Misinformation Starts With 1 Person at a Time

Even though the federal COVID-19 public health emergency ended in May 2023, the spread of vaccine misinformation continues to impact public health, extending beyond COVID-19 to other essential vaccines. Experts like Dr. William Schaffner warn that the anti-vaccine movement has gained momentum, fueled by long-standing myths and amplified by social media. 

The distrust surrounding vaccines isn’t new—dating back to the 18th century—but modern skepticism surged with Andrew Wakefield’s fraudulent 1998 study linking vaccines to autism. Despite its retraction, misinformation has persisted, influencing public perception and leading to vaccine hesitancy, which the WHO defines as the delay or refusal of vaccines despite availability. 

Beyond COVID-19, vaccine hesitancy has resulted in declining childhood vaccination rates, raising concerns about broader public health impacts. Experts like Dr. Scott Ratzan stress that rebuilding trust is critical, emphasizing that clinicians and private-sector leaders play a vital role in addressing misinformation.