The Impact of New Social Media Strategies on Vaccine Uptake and Coverage_Do They Really Make a Difference?

Abstract

Objectives: The information available about the use and effectiveness of new social media strategies remains ungauged. The objective of this systematic review is to gather and summarize the data available about the utility of new social media strategies and their impact on vaccine uptake and coverage. In addition, our aim is to give appropriate suggestions to the concerned authorities relating to the use of such social media strategies to cope with the rising incidences of myriads of diseases.
Methodology: The review considered articles from global sources. PRISMA guidelines were followed. PubMed and Google Scholar were queried. Inclusion and exclusion criteria about the new social media strategies in relation to vaccination were applied, and data extraction included author details, publication specifics, study populations, exposure measures, and outcomes. Results: Out of 470 records, five studies met inclusion criteria, conducted between 2018 and 2022, focusing on different vaccines. Study designs encompassed randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and mixed methods research, with interventions ranging from Facebook campaigns to web-based information and digital reminders. Social media interventions generally exhibited a positive influence on vaccine uptake and coverage, though outcomes varied based on specific interventions and target populations. Conclusion: The data available is meagre. More research in this domain should be encouraged. However, we can conclude that social media can effectively increase vaccine uptake and coverage. To combat vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, government agencies and organizations should leverage social media's reach.