Disinformation campaigns threaten vaccine confidence and public health

Foreign interference and disinformation campaigns are undermining vaccine confidence across Europe. Misleading content circulating on social media and through various media outlets is fueling doubts regarding public health institutions, contributing to a resurgence of preventable diseases such as measles. These campaigns often utilize automated accounts and the targeted distribution of decontextualized or incomplete information to exploit existing social fractures.

In response to the proliferation of health-related misinformation online—ranging from vaccine skepticism to fraudulent weight-loss products—educational initiatives are being launched. Inserm has introduced a pedagogical kit designed for students from middle school through high school. This resource aims to provide educators with tools to teach adolescents how to evaluate health information regarding nutrition, mental health, and medical treatments, helping them navigate content found on social media and artificial intelligence platforms.