City experts help lead fight against jab misinformation
SCIENTISTS from across the world – led by the University of Bristol – have created an online guide to help fight the spread of misinformation about the coronavirus vaccines.
The experts say the guide will arm people with practical tips, the latest information and evidence to talk reliably about the vaccines, constructively challenge associated myths, and allay fears.
Led by the University of Bristol, the scientists are appealing to everyone, from doctors to parents, to understand the facts, follow the guidance, and spread the word.
Lead author Professor Stephan Lewandowsky, of Bristol, said: “Vaccines are our ticket to freedom and communication about them should be our passport to getting everyone on board.
“We produced this handbook so everyone has the basics, as well as more comprehensive information, at their fingertips and can do their part in sharing facts, not fiction, to put us on the road to recovery rather than a path of further suffering.”
To combat conspiracy theories and other misleading claims being shared on social media, the Covid-19 Vaccine Communication Handbook sets out the facts, highlighting how the vaccines are overwhelmingly safe and effective.
Co-author Professor Adam Finn, a University of Bristol virologist who has played a key role in the Covid-19 vaccine developments, said: “Accurate information about vaccines is becoming harder to distinguish from convincing but misleading fiction.
“It’s time to take the initiative in ensuring people are not duped into making wrong decisions that harm them, their children and their communities.”
Topics in the handbook include public behaviour and
attitudes, policy, facts, and misinformation.
Professor Lewandowsky added: “It’s important to challenge and debunk misinformation in a positive, constructive manner ... Then address the misinformation.
“For instance, if people say the vaccine can’t have been tested properly because it was developed so quickly, explain why this isn’t the case.
“Given the severity of the pandemic, more resources and expertise than ever were dedicated to this effort. Due to its high profile, volunteers for the trials were recruited much faster than usual.”
The guide can be accessed at https://sks.to/c19vax