Langbecker); Madrid University Carlos III (
Catalan-Matamoros); University of Almeria (
Catalan-Matamoros) In order to avoid having journalistic content that is merely a reproduction of a few sources, it needs to offer a diversity of voices and perspectives. By disseminating quality health-related information, the news media can influence individual and collective decisions on vaccination. Sources are people (speaking on their behalf or as members or representatives of an institution or organisation) who offer information or suggestions to journalists when drafting a news story. From the point of view of agenda-setting theory, sources can play a key role in shaping public opinion on specific content, as well as influencing the approach of a news piece (framing). This study examines information sources on vaccines in the Portuguese press, thus identifying those who guided the topics and discussions on vaccination.
Peñafiel-Saiz) [T]his study stresses the added-value of analyzing the media effects on vaccination and suggests that during vaccination campaigns the media need to be considered as an important player. Although vaccine hesitancy is an individual behaviour, it is also the result of broader societal influences in the historical, political, and socio-cultural context in which vaccination takes place. A key player in that context is the media, which are a tool for spreading information and increasing awareness about vaccines and the opinions of both vaccine supporters and opponents. On the flip side, lack of information and fake news are among the contributors to low vaccination coverage. This study explored the association of childhood vaccination rates in Spain and vaccine-related coverage in the print media. Its purpose is to expand our understanding of the media s educational role in public health and hopefully inform future vaccination campaigns.