THE ANTI-VACCINE MOVEMENT DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: IMPACTS, NARRATIVES AND SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Misinformation about vaccines, amplified by social media, has been one of the main drivers of vaccine hesitancy. Fake news, often containing unfounded claims about vaccine risks, spreads rapidly, negatively influencing the decision to get vaccinated. The aim of this study is to describe the various reasons that led to the consolidation of the anti-vaccine movement among Brazilians and to analyse the societal consequences of this spread. To achieve this general objective, three main stages were undertaken: the conceptualisation and description of vaccines, followed by a detailed analysis of the anti-vaccine movement and the role of misinformation, and finally, a critical analysis of the underlying causes of the anti-vaccine movement in Brazil and its social implications. The technical procedures involved a basic bibliographic research with exploratory objectives and a qualitative approach. Misinformation, distrust in institutions, personal beliefs, and fear of side effects drive vaccine hesitancy and refusal. Moreover, the study highlights the serious social consequences of this stance, such as the resurgence of eradicated diseases, the strain on the healthcare system, social polarisation, and the impact on individual health. It is crucial for society to adopt a complex-thinking approach to understand and address the nuances of the challenges posed by misinformation in the vaccination context. Only by promoting an informed debate, based on scientific evidence, will it be possible to mitigate the negative impacts of misinformation and strengthen the collective response to anti-vaccine movements.