How a database of vaccine side effects sowed doubt in vaccinations

[Diamond_Dog]

The tricky part, he said, is that not only do people tend to overestimate the risks, but they also tend toward what’s called an omission bias: they are more afraid of the slim risks of harm if they do vaccinate than the much more realistic risk of harm if they don’t. That means it’s crucial to not only be transparent about the possibility of a vaccine side effect but also to frame it relative to other risks.

Effective messaging

In doing so, though, Thomson said public health also needs to take a page from anti-vaccine groups and do a better job pushing messaging out to where people can actually see it. The VAERS website lists a host of disclaimers about the data in it, but people are more likely to encounter a misleading headline on social media about the number of severe side effects reported in the database without any context.

“We have to get information in the right format for people,” he said.

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[marybourg]

1. I never encounteted a headline about

the number of severe side effects etc. And I peruse three major newspapers most days. But I guess if you seek out anti-vaxx, anti-social, or anti-Dem material, you're going to find it.

[colsohlibgal]

2. Yep They Blow It Out Of Proportion

Every drug, given by injection or taken orally has potential side effects.....but the vast, vast percentage of people getting a shot or taking medicine orally have no side effects or very minor ones.

Thank God there was no pervasive right wing propaganda back when the Polio, MMR, etc vaccines became available.

[Wounded Bear]

3. Have a poster on another board that quotes VAERS on a regular basis...

ingores all critique of it as raw data and subject to being trolled with false reports and totally unverified. He doesn't care, for him it is God's Word Handed Down to anti-vaxxers in their never ending fight to eliminate personal responsibilty from any public health policy.

I had to put him on ignore.