Growing vaccine skepticism increasing since the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a new trend of vaccine scepticism emerged. This scepticism affects even those who usually accept vaccines. People started to question the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines, comparing them unfavorably to other vaccines like MMR, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. A study analyzed tweets about vaccines and found that many users believe COVID-19 vaccines do not stop infections as well as traditional vaccines do. Some individuals even labeled the COVID shot as a “therapeutic” instead of a true vaccine. They argue that because vaccinated people can still catch COVID-19, it does not fit their definition of a vaccine. Before 2020, there was little evidence of this specific scepticism. However, it grew rapidly during the pandemic. Tweets comparing COVID-19 vaccines to flu shots reflected a belief that vaccines for these diseases are not effective in the same way as vaccines for diseases like polio. Experts note that not all vaccines work the same way. Some diseases can be completely prevented by vaccines, while others may allow for infection but reduce the severity of illness. The confusion arises partly from how public health definitions categorize vaccines based on disease prevention. The pandemic changed public perception, as many experienced breakthrough infections despite being vaccinated. This shift has led to growing scepticism among people who would typically accept vaccines. If this issue is not addressed, it may lead to lower vaccination rates for COVID-19 and seasonal flu in the future.