Flavia Durach1, Raluca Buturoiu2, Dana Craiu3, Cristina Cazacu4, Alina Bargaoanu5. 1. National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, Bulevardul Expozitiei 30A, postal code 012244, Bucharest/S1, Romania. Electronic address: flavia.durach@comunicare.ro. 2. National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, Bulevardul Expozitiei 30A, postal code 012244, Bucharest/S1, Romania. Electronic address: raluca.buturoiu@comunicare.ro. 3. Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosciences, Pediatric Neurology Discipline II, Strada Dionisie Lupu No. 37, postal code: 020021, Bucharest/S2, Romania; Alexandru Obregia Clinical Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Clinic, Center of Expertise for Rare Disorders in Pediatric Neurology, EpiCARE member, Sos. Berceni 10, Bucharest/S4, Romania. Electronic address: dcraiu@yahoo.com. 4. Alexandru Obregia Clinical Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Clinic, Center of Expertise for Rare Disorders in Pediatric Neurology, EpiCARE member, Sos. Berceni 10, Bucharest/S4, Romania. Electronic address: cristina_calusaru@yahoo.com. 5. National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, Bulevardul Expozitiei 30A, postal code 012244, Bucharest/S1, Romania. Electronic address: alina.bargaoanu@comunicare.ro.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this paper is to review the current situation of vaccine hesitancy, with emphasis on children with neurological disorders, and to present the role social media plays in this situation. METHODS: A literature review using the following search words was performed: vaccine∗ OR immune∗ AND hesitancy OR confidence AND social media. RESULTS: The search retrieved 277 results; 17 duplicates and 234 irrelevant articles were excluded. 43 articles were fully analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: An increasing number of parents are becoming vaccine hesitant. Their motives are complex and nuanced and involve factors related to vaccine safety and efficiency, perceived personal risks and benefits, socio-demographic and psychological characteristics. Attitudes toward vaccination differ in adolescents from their parents. In children with neurological disorders, factors involved in vaccination decision included physicians' knowledge of neurological diseases and parents' concerns that vaccination would exacerbate the chronic disorder. Unfortunately, the current pandemic is associated with an increase in vaccine hesitancy and brought forward unique determinants. The social media platforms can be a tool for the anti-vaccine movement to spread misinformation, but it can also be valued as a way for promoting health and pro-vaccine information.
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this paper is to review the current situation of vaccine hesitancy, with emphasis on children with neurological disorders, and to present the role social media plays in this situation. METHODS: A literature review using the following search words was performed: vaccine∗ OR immune∗ AND hesitancy OR confidence AND social media. RESULTS: The search retrieved 277 results; 17 duplicates and 234 irrelevant articles were excluded. 43 articles were fully analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: An increasing number of parents are becoming vaccine hesitant. Their motives are complex and nuanced and involve factors related to vaccine safety and efficiency, perceived personal risks and benefits, socio-demographic and psychological characteristics. Attitudes toward vaccination differ in adolescents from their parents. In children with neurological disorders, factors involved in vaccination decision included physicians' knowledge of neurological diseases and parents' concerns that vaccination would exacerbate the chronic disorder. Unfortunately, the current pandemic is associated with an increase in vaccine hesitancy and brought forward unique determinants. The social media platforms can be a tool for the anti-vaccine movement to spread misinformation, but it can also be valued as a way for promoting health and pro-vaccine information.