How Conspiratorial Thinking and Misinformation Undermine COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake

• In Event: Public Opinion and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

As the globe continues to respond to the rapid spread of a novel coronavirus (SARS-COV19, commonly known as COVID-19), it has become clear that one of the most important solutions to curb the pandemic and save lives is the COVID-19 vaccine. However, as national and international health agencies rush to respond, one challenge these organizations face is the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories about the virus and the COVID-19 vaccine. We expect that underlying conspiracy theory beliefs about the coronavirus to reduce individuals’ attitudes about the COVID-19 vaccine and other psychological correlates. This project seeks to understand individuals’ likelihood of vaccine uptake using two panel surveys, one convenience and one nationally representative, pre- and post-2020 U.S. presidential election during the height of the second peak of coronavirus cases, which will allow for exploratory and confirmatory analyses. We discuss implications for the 2021 mass vaccination efforts and related political attitudes.

Authors

• Christina Farhart, Carleton College

• Kristin Kay Lunz Trujillo, Harvard University

• Ella Douglas-Durham

• Joseph Vitriol, Stony Brook University, Harvard University