First published Friday, March 1, 2024
With the Covid years and the government’s often haphazard, sometimes contradictory, even paradoxical decisions, many people reject mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Are these citizens all conspiracy theorists, followers of obscure cults, or extreme-right populists?
By Jean-Paul Briand.
In his book “American Conspiracy Theories,” American political scientist Joseph E. Uscinski explains that proponents of conspiracy theories believe that a league of powerful people is acting in secret for their own benefit and against the common good. This fable of a world controlled by a clan lurking in the shadows and manipulating the masses is very old. Historically, minorities such as the Templars, the Illuminati, Jews, and Freemasons have been designated as various malevolent conspirators. Nowadays, international institutions such as the WHO, or governmental organizations like the CIA, even states, are accused of being the occult initiators of the pandemic. The sudden emergence of an unknown virus, especially in China, a country in economic war with the West, a virus that quickly spread worldwide, was suspect and alarming. There were elements conducive to the idea of a possible scheme that brought conspiracy theorists out of the woodwork. With or without Covid, obscure conspiratorial hypotheses periodically reappear, but today the internet and social media amplify their dissemination.
Surprise, suspicion, and distrust
The new mRNA vaccines are third-generation vaccines, known as “nucleic acid” vaccines. They stem from an unprecedented process to stimulate our immune system. mRNA is synthesized that encodes an infectious protein of the SARS-Cov-2 virus. This mRNA is injected into a muscle. Muscle cells use this mRNA to produce the infectious viral protein. The immune system (provided it is functional) recognizes this protein as foreign and triggers a protective response in the vaccinated person against the entire virus. This immunity is kept in memory, and the individual who received this mRNA becomes their own vaccine factory. The laboratory synthesis of the genomic sequence of SARS-Cov-2 was completed in just a few weeks and allowed the development of functional and safe vaccines in record time. This very rapid rollout of vaccines against Covid-19, created by a technology never used before, has sparked surprise, suspicion, and distrust.
An asocial deviant
In the context of the highly aggressive COVID-19 pandemic and overwhelmed hospital services, it was logical to use this bold technique that is effective in the short term and quick to implement despite the clear lack of hindsight. Indeed, it is still unknown whether mRNA vaccines will have deleterious effects in the long term. This disturbing doubt has led some people to reject this vaccine. But wanting to impose the precautionary principle forgets that large-scale collective vaccination, despite its risks, has eradicated formidable diseases, from rubella to smallpox, and including tetanus, whooping cough, measles, and soon polio. That an individual refuses vaccination at the risk of occupying an intensive care bed needed by others, or of spreading a deadly disease is difficult to accept but does not make them an asocial deviant to be “pestered.”
Fascist militants
Periods of crisis are ideal for practicing misinformation and fostering radical ideas that exploit doubt, uncertainties, and fear. The pandemic attack favored extremist groups of all kinds. For some, the goal was to disqualify and undermine the government, for others to place all difficulties on despised groups, or even to implement an insurrectional project. The Covid crisis was a boon for extreme-right populism that conveys hatred towards a pseudo intellectual elite, a ghost infiltrated within the State, responsible for all the ills of society and an enemy of the people. Even if they may appear to align with extremist rhetoric, those who reject vaccines are not always fascist militants.
“Convictions are more dangerous enemies of truth than lies” Friedrich Nietzsche
More information differently on Magcentre: When conspiracy theorists invade Vierzon
Future Trends in Vaccine Acceptance and Conspiracy Theories
The ongoing debate surrounding mRNA vaccines and their acceptance is likely to evolve as societal attitudes shift in response to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As governments strive to recover from economic and public health crises, understanding the roots of vaccine skepticism will be critical. This skepticism, often fueled by conspiracy theories, may lead to a broader conversation about trust in institutions and public health initiatives.
Technology and social media will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion. The ease of information dissemination can facilitate rapid spread of both accurate data and misinformation. In the future, we may witness an increase in targeted campaigns aimed at clarifying misconceptions and building trust. Collaborations between tech companies and health organizations could result in innovative solutions to combat false information, promoting a more informed public.
As fear and uncertainty can drive people towards radical beliefs, there is a potential for radical extremism to surface again during times of crisis. We may see a rise in community-led initiatives that focus on improving resilience and fostering dialogue among different societal groups. Addressing the concerns of vaccine skeptics, while promoting herd immunity, could become an essential part of public health strategies.
The relationship between conspiracy theories and political movements is also set to evolve. Individuals who oppose vaccines may not exclusively align with extreme ideologies, leading to a diverse spectrum of belief systems. Future political landscapes could reflect these complexities, with populist movements that harness these sentiments while attempting to broaden their appeal and unite individuals around common causes.
Moreover, as historical patterns have shown, crises can lead to increased public engagement. The vaccination discourse may prompt a new wave of activism focused on health equity and transparency, challenging perceived elites. This dynamic will shape the narrative around vaccines and may affect future health policies, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and diverse voices in conversations regarding public health.