Often, while browsing the internet, especially on social networks and instant messaging groups, you have surely come across messages with strong appeals that attract emotions. These are its main characteristics fake news – misinformation, or fake news. The objective is to encourage the message to be shared with as many people as possible. Often, the title is misleading and does not match the rest of the text. So, never read only the title of the text and check if that information has been reported in other vehicles.
You may have received messages from friends or family claiming, for example, that vaccines cause cancer or that a particular medication can cure dengue. These are dangerous and often unfounded statements.
Misinformation in healthcare
The Covid-19 pandemic has shown how damaging misinformation can be. During this period, ineffective remedies were widely publicized and proven safety measures – such as wearing masks and vaccination – were discredited. Therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies disinformation as one of the main threats to global health.
Thanks to the microplanning strategy, which started last year, Brazil recorded, in 2023, an increase in vaccination coverage in 13 of the 16 main vaccines in the National Immunization Program (PNI) calendar, compared to 2022. The average increase was 7.1 percentage points, ie with an emphasis on the bacterial triplet, which rose from 67.4% to 76.7%.
Micro-planning, recommended by the WHO, consists of several activities focused on the local reality, from defining the target population, choosing vaccines, defining vaccination dates and locations, to logistics. Strategies that can be adopted in micro-planning by municipalities include: vaccination in schools; active search for unvaccinated people; immunization in any contact with health services and outside the walls; check vaccination records and intensify immunization in indigenous areas.
How to identify fake news
False stories can be sophisticated and appear to be true, using credible websites, quotes from famous doctors, and images of real people in distorted situations. However, with care, false content can be identified. Check some measurements to identify them.
- Check if the source is reliable
Look for information on official and recognized health websites. Check if other credible sources cover the same topic.
- Check the publication date
Misinformation groups often use real information out of context. Check that the publication is current and that the content is properly contextualized.
- Beware of deceptive and sensationalist narratives
Misinformation often uses a dramatic tone to generate fear, doubt or anger. Be aware of exaggerated adjectives.
- Research the facts and figures mentioned
Check the details presented on official websites. The internet offers a variety of public data for consultation.
Fake news they often cite famous doctors or research from famous universities which is difficult to verify. Search for these sources on reliable search engines.
- How to report fake news on the social networks
If you have identified fake news, it is important to report it. All social networks have mechanisms to evaluate and remove misleading content. Check out the Ministry of Health’s step-by-step guide to reporting fake news on the social networks Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, TikTok, YouTube, Linkedin e Quai.
In addition, you can consult official and reliable health sources such as:
- Test against fake news of health
Take the Health with Science test, an initiative of the Ministry of Health, and find out if you may already have fallen into fake news or even unknowingly spread false news.
Click and find out if you’ve already fallen into one fake news!
According to studies and research, vaccination is recognized as one of the most effective strategies to preserve the health of the population and to strengthen a healthy and resilient society. In addition to preventing serious disease, immunization helps reduce the spread of these infectious agents in the community, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated for health reasons.
Discover the history of vaccination in Brazil
Find out more about the National Vaccination Schedule
Edjalma Borges
Ministry of Health