Health literacy in the time of COVID-19
September 14, 2021 | Anti-vaccination, COVID-19, Infodemic, Pharma, health literacy, scientific misinformation, vaccines
In a time when much of the media’s focus is on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the differences in vaccination rates between various regions, countries, and socioeconomic groups, improving health literacy has never been more important.
COVID-19 has prompted an interest in microbiology, immunology, epidemiology, and public health never seen on this scale before. However, it has also further polarized the population when it comes to public health measures such as vaccines and face masks.
In a 2020 survey conducted in a nationally representative sample of 3,133 adults in the USA, 20% of respondents intended to decline a vaccine once available. The most important determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were distrust of the vaccine safety and general vaccine avoidance, as implied by not having had a flu shot in the last two years. Further, the authors noted that inconsistent risk messages from public health experts and elected officials may reduce vaccine uptake. Likewise, a survey conducted in Portugal in late 2020 identified having no intention of taking the flu vaccine and perception of the information provided as inconsistent and contradictory as two key factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitance. This indicates that clear, easy-to-understand, and consistent messaging is key to improving health literacy and fighting misinformation.
In addition to vaccine hesitancy, Vergara et al. (2021) highlighted that two even bigger challenges that public health authorities will be facing in the new normal are the “postmodern condition of information blast” and “the objectivity of the held truth.” We are looking at a brand-new type of epidemic–an “infodemic”–where fake news and false scientific claims are progressively spread.
However, identifying the problem is only the first step. The challenge is coming up with a solution.
This content was provided by Impetus Digital
Company Details
Latest Content from Impetus Digital
Pharma-Exclusive Webinar: Redefining Engagement in the AI Era
Join Impetus Digital’s pharma-exclusive webinar to discover how compliant AI tools and virtual workflows can elevate static programs into high-retention, interactive experiences without enterprise overhead.
NEW PHARMA-EXCLUSIVE WEBINAR: Beyond the Hype; Practical, Compliant AI Solutions for Pharma Engagement
See how top-tier pharma teams use compliant AI tools and virtual QIPs to capture real-time market intelligence, confidence scores, and audience insights from live dashboards
Moving Beyond the Pill: Unlocking Value Through Engaged, Empowered, and Educated Patients
True “beyond-the-pill” strategy requires shifting from a prescriptive model to a supportive one—using personalized digital tools and authentic patient voices to drive adherence, improve outcomes, and prove value.
NEW WEBINAR: Maximizing Speed-to-Outcome for Life Science Companies
Stop losing momentum to the “logistics lag.” The most successful life science teams have moved beyond fragmented spreadsheets and isolated meetings into a unified orchestration engine. Learn the strategies that…
Smarter Learning and Better Outcomes: How AI Can Provide an Advantage in Medical Education
See how AI-powered patient avatars allow physicians to test complex diagnoses and treatment plans in a simulated environment.
From Static to Strategic: The 2026 Playbook for Longitudinal Pharma Interaction
Stop pushing content at a burnt-out audience and start creating “Digital Magnetism.” Join Impetus Digital to unlock the 2026 Engagement Toolkit—a deep dive into the immersive, longitudinal strategies and newly…
New Webinar: 2026 Engagement Strategies For Modern Pharma
Turn interaction into intelligence! Don’t miss this chance to lead the industry with our free pharma-exclusive webinar!
The Future of MSL Training – How Digital Technologies Are Shaping Success
Discover how pharmaceutical companies are using asynchronous platforms and microlearning to eliminate geographical barriers, track performance, and achieve cost-effective, consistent training for global teams.
Learn the golden standard for omnichannel strategies!
Tired of a fragmented omnichannel strategy that falls short of its promise? Join our free webinar to learn how to eliminate silos and turn fragmented data into actionable insights. Register…
Your Blueprint for Flawless Pharma Omnichannel
Learn how to eliminate silos, transform data into actionable insights, and drive unparalleled efficiency across your key initiatives. Secure your spot in our free webinar, exclusive for life science professionals!