Grant: Project Grant

Scientists have described vaccination as one of the top ten achievements of public health in the 20th century. Yet, many parents have concerns and doubts about vaccination and may delay vaccination for their child or refuse some/all vaccines. These vaccine-hesitant parents are actively researching vaccines on the Internet and likely to encounter negative claims about vaccines. Stories shared online are powerful. Evidence suggests vaccine-related stories often present anti-vaccine views in compelling ways, but little is known about how to optimally counter such negative messages. This study will use qualitative (interviews, digital ethnography) to better understand the influence of information on social media on parents' decision-making about vaccination in Canada.