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A recent study analyzing millions of social media posts has uncovered a novel form of vaccine skepticism, where individuals question the very status of COVID-19 vaccines, labeling them as “shots” rather than true vaccines. This trend, which emerged during the pandemic, stems from the perceived difference in efficacy compared to vaccines like MMR.
Researchers analyzed a nine-million-word dataset of tweets about COVID-19 and MMR vaccines posted between 2008 and 2022. They found a significant increase in skepticism regarding the COVID-19 vaccines’ status as vaccines, particularly when compared to the MMR vaccine.
“Yes, because the COVID vaccine is just like the MMR vaccine. NOT. The MMR vaccine provides 99.8% protection from catching measles, mumps or rubella. The COVID vaccine does NOT stop you from catching COVID. Vaccinate away but it’s not going to stop COVID,” one tweet highlighted.
The study revealed that many people perceived the COVID-19 vaccines as less effective at preventing infection compared to traditional vaccines. This led some to argue that they are not “true” vaccines, but rather “therapeutics” or simply “shots.”
“How about we start with the fact that it’s not a vaccine, it’s a therapeutic. True vaccines immunize you from the virus. The COVID ‘vaccine’ still allows you to catch COVID just with lesser symptoms. Not the same with polio, MMR, etc.,” another social media user stated.
The use of the term “shot” instead of “vaccine” was seen as a deliberate attempt to downplay the intervention’s effectiveness. This new skepticism contrasts with previous anti-vaccine sentiments, such as the discredited claim linking the MMR vaccine to autism.
“In our data, there is almost no evidence before 2020 of people claiming that some vaccines are not in fact vaccines. In the period 2020-2022, this form of skepticism increased rapidly in relation to the COVID-19 vaccines, and also applied to the flu vaccine,” researchers noted.
Experts explain that the difference in perceived efficacy is due to the nature of the viruses. Measles, for example, is vaccine-preventable, while influenza and COVID-19 are vaccine-modifiable, meaning vaccination reduces the severity of illness but may not prevent infection entirely. This is due to factors such as viral mutation and waning immunity, not the intrinsic quality of the vaccines.
The frequent testing during the COVID-19 pandemic made it common knowledge that vaccinated individuals could still contract the virus. This contrast with the pre-pandemic experience, where testing for vaccine-preventable infections was less common, likely contributed to the rise in this new form of skepticism.
Researchers warn that this evolving skepticism, even among those generally supportive of vaccines, could impact future vaccination efforts, particularly for seasonal illnesses like the flu and COVID-19. They suggest that public health messaging should address these misconceptions and clarify the differences between various types of vaccines.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided by a research study. The information presented is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional1 for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.2 The interpretation of social media data may not reflect the views of the general population.
