Online misinformation is linked to early COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy and refusal

Widespread uptake of vaccines is necessary to achieve herd immunity. However, uptake rates have varied across U.S. states during the first six months of the COVID-19 vaccination program. Misbeliefs may play an important role in vaccine hesitancy, and there is a need to understand relationships between misinformation, beliefs, behaviors, and health outcomes. Here we investigate the extent to which COVID-19 vaccination rates and vaccine hesitancy are associated with levels of online misinformation about vaccines. We also look for evidence of directionality from online misinformation to vaccine hesitancy. We find a negative relationship between misinformation and vaccination uptake rates. Online misinformation is…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: grant ACI-1548562, ACI-1548562, -1548562, 1548562
• JS
  John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
• CN
  Craig Newmark Philanthropies
• H2
  Horizon 2020 Framework Programme

  Awards: 101016233, EU H2020
• ER
  European Research Council

  Award: 101016233