Misinformation about COVID-19 has contributed significantly to vaccine hesitancy across Washington state. We hope to learn from you: community partners who are working tirelessly to combat vaccine hesitancy and share accurate COVID-19 information. Last week, we hosted a community conversation to discuss misinformation. Here’s what we heard:
Trusted message carriers, who are known by the community, play a vital role in addressing COVID-19 misinformation. Communities receiving accurate information from trusted message carriers are more likely to accept and trust the information shared.
Positivity and truth-telling are essential to combat misinformation. Sharing accurate information, rather than wasting energy fighting misinformation, leaves the door open to those experiencing mistrust to engage with communicators when they are ready.
Education for vaccine providers is a significant need as communicators are encouraging their communities to seek vaccination. Some community members overcome profound vaccine hesitancy and others travel long distances to receive a vaccine only to be met by clinic providers who aren’t certain if these community members are eligible to be vaccinated. Providers must be accurately educated about eligibility to ensure vaccination is accessible to all.
Distrust of official information sources presents a challenge to communicators fighting misinformation in certain communities. When the information from official sources changes without explanation or when information is shared but quickly changes, communities aren’t sure if the source is trustworthy.
Listen, don’t argue, with those who are compelled by misinformation. Arguing or invalidating the perspectives of those repeating misinformation typically confirms rather than softens someone’s position. Instead, listen, ask questions and begin to build trust with individuals and share your perspective when asked.
First-hand testimonies can powerfully and effectively combat misinformation. Sharing testimonies about the pandemic’s personal impact or how someone recovered from their mistrust or their belief in misinformation can be compelling stories for your community to hear.
Language barriers and lack of access to technology present unique challenges for many seeking accurate information and access to vaccines. Sharing language-appropriate resources and supporting people with no- or low-English proficiency with the phone and online scheduling systems for COVID-19 testing and vaccination appointments are vital to ensuring accessibility.
If you were unable to attend the recent community conversation, you can access COVID-19 misinformation resources and the recording of the conversation here. Likewise, if you have feedback about the community conversation or would like to share your experience or questions related to COVID-19 misinformation, please consider taking this 3-minute survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CHRCLMM.