Issue Mistrust in experts reducing vaccine uptake

Summary

One longer-term uncertainty the report raises is that distrust of experts could threaten public health. People who do not trust experts may be more willing to accept false information, which could, for example, reduce vaccine uptake. The report explains that a 2022 review found health misinformation in more than half of social media posts about vaccines, further undermining trust in public health responses. Children, older adults, unemployed people and marginalised groups are especially susceptible to false information, which can affect their mental and physical health. The report also points out that misinformation about animal disease outbreaks can lead to further transmission.