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The government needs a two-front communication strategy for a Covid-19 vaccine, to address misinformation and win over people who have concerns and questions, according to Fine Gael Senator John McGahon.
“There has been a substantial growth in anti-science rhetoric, much of it being driven by online conspiracy theorists, fake news, and misinformation. I think our communication strategy has to deal with this, “he said.
Ireland has signed on to the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines, with both companies seeking European authorization in the coming weeks.
With this in mind, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly suggested that the launch of the vaccine in Ireland could occur as early as January.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned of a vaccine misinformation ‘infodemic’ as early as February and concerns have been raised about misinformation in Ireland.
Senator McGahon told BreakingNews.ie that a “clear and concise” government communication strategy would be needed, adding: “I think that’s critical to overcoming skepticism about vaccines.”
Anti-science rhetoric
“We need a simple and explanatory way that is based on qualitative data and cold and hard facts. I think it is perfectly reasonable to have at least questions about the vaccine.
“The government needs to have a strategy for anyone who is undecided or concerned about it. [a vaccine] so that it can be explained with cold and solid facts. “
McGahon said reassuring people who have genuine concerns or questions about the vaccine with data and science would be the key to wide acceptance among the general population.
“We need to totally and absolutely reassure anyone who is skeptical about a vaccine and the way to do that is to reassure people with a communication strategy based on science, fact and reason.
“It will take a lot of planning and actual implementation over a sustained period, but this is how I would see it.”
Launch of vaccines
The government vaccination task force met again today to discuss the launch of a Covid vaccine.
His strategy will be presented to the Cabinet on December 11 and Mr. McGahon said a communications strategy should be ready to go at the same time.
“The Government must present the implementation strategy to the Cabinet on December 11. I think it should be advertised alongside the communication strategy, with a dual approach.
“Social media companies must also take a great responsibility. We need 80% to 85% of the population to be vaccinated and social media companies should not allow clearly misleading information to remain online as it spreads like wildfire. “
He feels that the responsibility for getting vaccine information out to the public should rest with the government and other groups within society.
“The responsibility lies with large sections of Irish society, not just the Government. They are people in influential positions in the media, sports, academia, wherever you are. It has to be a joint effort across Irish society, a top-down approach.
“Anti-vaccine rhetoric had been brewing beneath the surface long before Covid appeared. I think Covid has provided a little platform for anti-vaccines, for lack of a better word, to spread their anti-science and anti-data message. What we really have to do is tackle that in the strongest way possible.
“A pro-science approach that is based on hard facts, data and reasons. I truly believe that the vast majority of people who have genuine concerns will feel completely at ease. “
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