Where do vaccine rumors originate?

Sources:

Vaccine rumors originate from several sources and have historical roots. Erin Welsh highlights that vaccine opposition historically involved public rallies filled with rage and actions like the destruction of vaccine advocates' images. The narrative often included outright lies about vaccine safety, minimizing disease severity, and promoting natural infection over vaccination 1.

Céline Gounder discusses how disinformation on vaccines often originates in the United States, with misinformation being spread globally. This involves tracking the spread and embellishment of such misinformation by local cultures, politics, and anxieties 2.

General distrust in systems also fuels vaccine rumors. People skeptical of institutional authority are more prone to believe conspiracies. This distrust predates recent events and has been exacerbated by the pandemic, allowing rumors to spread more rapidly 3. The infodemic concept, described by Jessica Rivera, explains that during health crises, accurate and misleading information is abundant, making it hard for people to find reliable sources. Historically, this includes myths like the smallpox vaccine turning people into cows, showing that misinformation is a longstanding issue 4.

Vaccine Opposition History

The discussion delves into the historical roots of vaccine opposition, highlighting how fear and misinformation have been exploited for profit. From the early variolators to modern-day snake oil salesmen, the narrative reveals a troubling pattern of opportunistic individuals preying on vulnerable populations. A pivotal moment occurred in 1973 when a pediatrician's unverified claims about the pertussis vaccine led to a dramatic drop in immunization rates, illustrating the lasting impact of fear on public health.
This Podcast Will Kill You
Ep 27 Vaccines Part 2: Have you thanked your immune system lately?
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