Canadian newspaper coverage of the A/H1N1 vaccine program

Rachul, C; Ries, N; Caulfield, T

Canadian newspaper coverage of the A/H1N1 vaccine program

Rachul, C Ries, N

Caulfield, T

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Publisher:: Canadian Public Health Association
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Canadian Journal of Public Health, 2011, 102, (3), pp. 200-204
Issue Date:: 2011

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Rachul, C
dc.contributor.author	Ries, N https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5264-6722
dc.contributor.author	Caulfield, T
dc.date.accessioned	2020-07-22T07:39:39Z
dc.date.available	2020-07-22T07:39:39Z
dc.date.issued	2011
dc.identifier.citation	Canadian Journal of Public Health, 2011, 102, (3), pp. 200-204
dc.identifier.issn	0008-4263
dc.identifier.issn	1920-7476
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/141834
dc.description.abstract	OBJECTIVES:The A/H1N1 mass vaccination program in Canada garnered considerable attention from the media, including extensive newspaper coverage. Media reports have been shown to influence the public's health care decisions, including vaccination choices. We analyzed Canadian newspapers' portrayal of the A/H1N1 vaccine including mention of risks and benefits of the vaccine and whether the article supported, questioned or was neutral about the vaccine. METHODS:We compiled a data set of Canadian newspaper articles (N = 234) and conducted a frequency content analysis to examine discussion and/or mention of evidence concerning vaccination, risks of the A/H1N1 virus and the vaccine, and tone of article in regards to the vaccination program in Canada. RESULTS:Reasons for getting vaccinated appeared in 71.8% of the articles, whereas only 18.4% provided reasons against getting vaccinated. Discussion of evidence to support claims for or against getting vaccinated appeared in only 27.8% and 6.8% of the articles, respectively. Risks associated with contracting the A/H1N1 virus were discussed in 49.6% of the articles and risks of the A/H1N1 vaccine were discussed in 12.4% of the articles. CONCLUSION:Newspaper coverage in Canada was largely supportive of the A/H1N1 mass vaccination program. However, serious risks associated with contracting the A/H1N1 virus were also frequently discussed in the print media. The news articles rarely presented direct evidence to support statements that the vaccine was safe, effective and properly tested. Known risks (such as potential allergic reactions and flu-like side effects) of the vaccine were rarely reported. The relationship between media portrayals and vaccine uptake warrants further research.
dc.format	Print
dc.language	eng
dc.publisher	Canadian Public Health Association
dc.relation.ispartof	Canadian Journal of Public Health
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1007/BF03404896
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccess
dc.subject	1117 Public Health and Health Services, 1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy
dc.subject.classification	Public Health
dc.subject.mesh	Humans
dc.subject.mesh	Attitude to Health
dc.subject.mesh	Bibliometrics
dc.subject.mesh	Journalism, Medical
dc.subject.mesh	Immunization Programs
dc.subject.mesh	Canada
dc.subject.mesh	Influenza, Human
dc.subject.mesh	Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype
dc.subject.mesh	Newspapers as Topic
dc.subject.mesh	Attitude to Health
dc.subject.mesh	Bibliometrics
dc.subject.mesh	Canada
dc.subject.mesh	Humans
dc.subject.mesh	Immunization Programs
dc.subject.mesh	Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype
dc.subject.mesh	Influenza, Human
dc.subject.mesh	Journalism, Medical
dc.subject.mesh	Newspapers as Topic
dc.title	Canadian newspaper coverage of the A/H1N1 vaccine program
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	102
utslib.location.activity	Switzerland
utslib.for	1117 Public Health and Health Services
utslib.for	1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy
utslib.for	1117 Public Health and Health Services
utslib.for	1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Law
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - HJ - Health Justice
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
utslib.copyright.status	closed_access	*
pubs.consider-herdc	false
dc.date.updated	2020-07-22T07:39:34Z
pubs.issue	3
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	102
utslib.citation.issue	3

Abstract:

OBJECTIVES:The A/H1N1 mass vaccination program in Canada garnered considerable attention from the media, including extensive newspaper coverage. Media reports have been shown to influence the public's health care decisions, including vaccination choices. We analyzed Canadian newspapers' portrayal of the A/H1N1 vaccine including mention of risks and benefits of the vaccine and whether the article supported, questioned or was neutral about the vaccine. METHODS:We compiled a data set of Canadian newspaper articles (N = 234) and conducted a frequency content analysis to examine discussion and/or mention of evidence concerning vaccination, risks of the A/H1N1 virus and the vaccine, and tone of article in regards to the vaccination program in Canada. RESULTS:Reasons for getting vaccinated appeared in 71.8% of the articles, whereas only 18.4% provided reasons against getting vaccinated. Discussion of evidence to support claims for or against getting vaccinated appeared in only 27.8% and 6.8% of the articles, respectively. Risks associated with contracting the A/H1N1 virus were discussed in 49.6% of the articles and risks of the A/H1N1 vaccine were discussed in 12.4% of the articles. CONCLUSION:Newspaper coverage in Canada was largely supportive of the A/H1N1 mass vaccination program. However, serious risks associated with contracting the A/H1N1 virus were also frequently discussed in the print media. The news articles rarely presented direct evidence to support statements that the vaccine was safe, effective and properly tested. Known risks (such as potential allergic reactions and flu-like side effects) of the vaccine were rarely reported. The relationship between media portrayals and vaccine uptake warrants further research.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/141834