As vaccines start rolling out, here’s what our research says about communication and coronavirus
Our research team leader Richard Fletcher on what journalists and governments should know as we enter the next phase of the pandemic
Dr. Tommy Wong receives one of the first vaccinations at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri
Dr Richard Fletcher
Monday 21 December 2020
The coronavirus situation represents both a health crisis and a communications emergency – especially as we enter the vaccination phase. With a significant minority expressing a degree of hesitancy about receiving a coronavirus vaccine, clear and effective communication about the benefits and risks (or lack of) will undoubtedly be important for maximising uptake. At the same time, many familiar communication challenges – such as convincing people of the need to limit social contact, to wear face coverings, and to wash their hands – will be just as important for much of 2021 as they wer