Social listening on immunization: complementing the online perspective with that of family doctors, nurses and teachers

Abstract

The infodemic has boosted the use of social listening techniques in public health and highlighted the need to complement the online and offline perspectives. Thus, through qualitative studies carried out offline, we aimed to identify potential aspects of misinformation that would serve as barriers to population vaccination. Between September 2023 and April 2024, five focus groups were held, with a total of 37 participants. The text derived from the transcripts of the records was analyzed, and based on the synthesis of this qualitative data, findings were formulated, supported by quotes. Ten themes confirming vaccine hesitancy have been identified: mistrust (in doctors, authorities, vaccines, system, manufacturers), fears and reluctance to vaccination, communication, rumors and poor resilience to misinformation, intra- and inter-sectoral collaboration, legislation and mandatory vaccination, role of communities, falsification of vaccination cards, limited time of doctors and measles. The abundance of information, including false information, disseminated through the media, social networks and parents` groups is a barrier to vaccination. Some parents refuse vaccination without being able to give a reason and without being aware of possible consequences. A serious problem confirmed by doctors and teachers is the illegal completion of vaccination records. Teachers show poor resilience to misinformation. Both family doctors and teachers mention the importance of intensifying intersectoral collaboration.