The Global Impact of COVID-19 Misinformation and Politicization on Vaccination Compliance

Abstract

Vaccine hesitancy regarding the COVID-19 vaccine is widespread and disadvantageous. Anti-vax beliefs threaten health systems and open pathways for reemerging infectious diseases. In order to begin a return to normalcy around the world, high vaccination rates are necessary but are not currently being witnessed. This paper discusses two hypotheses to explain the hesitancy surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine: exposure to misinformation and the politicization of COVID-19. Misinformation and politicization by governments, political parties, and the media will continue to make the COVID-19 pandemic more harmful than it needs to be.