Review article
The Impact of Misinformation on Vaccine Acceptance and the Role of Healthcare Professionals in Countering It
Valentina Ješić
orcid.org/0000-0001-7947-5233
; University Hospital Centre Sestre Milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia;
*
Antonija Šipuš
; University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Marko Anić
; Neurospine Special Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Introduction: Vaccination is one of the greatest achievements of public health; however, despite indisputable scientific evidence, vaccine hesitancy continues to rise. The emergence of an “infodemic” and the spread of misinformation, particularly through digital platforms, contribute to reduced trust in vaccines and lower immunization coverage. This paper aimed to analyze recent evidence on the effects of misinformation on vaccine acceptance and to examine the crucial role of healthcare professionals in countering it.
Methods: A review analysis of the literature published between 2015 and 2025 was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. Included sources comprised systematic, rapid, and narrative reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, experimental digital interventions, and survey studies.
Results and Discussion: The review indicates that greater exposure to misinformation, especially via social media, correlates with increased vaccine hesitancy and lower vaccination rates. The most frequent misinformation themes relate to vaccine safety, conspiracy theories, and distrust in institutions. Algorithms of digital platforms further amplify the dissemination of sensationalist content. At the same time, citizens continue to place the highest trust in healthcare professionals, and research confirms that clear, empathetic, and personalized recommendations from experts significantly increase vaccine acceptance. A combination of online and offline interventions, timely communication, prebunking strategies, and the continuous presence of professionals in the public sphere have proven essential for strengthening trust and maintaining high coverage.
Conclusion: Vaccine-related misinformation poses a serious threat to public health; however, healthcare professionals hold a unique position to counter its effects. Transparent, timely, and tailored communication can significantly mitigate the impact of misinformation and help sustain high vaccination coverage.
Keywords
vaccination; misinformation; healthcare professionals; communication; public health
Hrčak ID:
342874
URI
Publication date:
31.12.2025.
Visits: 349 *