Vaccine Hesitancy and Public Messaging

In the months since the COVID-19 vaccines have become available, the number of eligible Americans who have received shots has fallen short of the White House’s 70% goal. The administration has decried public disinformation on traditional and social media, targeting it as a reason for the recent slow vaccination percentage increases.

The University of South Florida recently conducted a survey to measure exposure to misinformation and common objections to vaccination and the researchers have a post on our site right now about the survey results and how public officials can overcome vaccine hesitancy. Stephen Neely, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Public Administration at the University of South Florida’s School of Public Affairs. He is one of the co-authors of a post on our site about the research headlined “To Overcome Vaccine Hesitancy, Public Officials Need to Get Creative.” He joined the show to discuss the post and the survey results.