Communicating about Vaccines in a Politically Contentious Climate

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Source: NEJM

Original: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2600539?af=R&rss=currentIssue...

Published: 2026-03-21T11:30:00Z

The article examines vaccine communication in a politically polarized environment, particularly in relation to COVID-19 vaccines in the US. The politicization of the disease and vaccines has arisen through statements by political leaders, media coverage, and social media, resulting in the polarization of public opinion.[1] Without vaccines, governments have implemented non-pharmacological interventions such as social distancing, school closures and wearing masks, but their success has been affected by politicization in the media and lower willingness of Republicans to comply with the measures.[1] A March 2021 study showed that statements made by President Biden or former President Trump about vaccines significantly polarized attitudes by political affiliation.[1] According to a 2024 Gallup poll, the share of Republicans and conservative independents who say vaccination is "very important" dropped to 26% from 2019.[2] The media can inadvertently spread misinformation by selectively quoting or lacking context about the scientific consensus.[2] Effective communication includes cultural sensitivity, involvement of community leaders, and narrative rather than didactic approaches, which increase vaccine acceptance.[3] Journalists should emphasize the weight of scientific evidence instead of a false balance of opinion.[3]