Exploring Vaccination Narratives: An Analysis of the Vaccination Media Discourses in Italy Between 2016 and 2023

Abstract

The public debate on vaccines has been particularly relevant in Italy due to the introduction of childhood vaccination mandates and anti-COVID-19 vaccines. Our exploratory study focused on (1) identifying the media’s portrayals of childhood and adult vaccination, (2) highlighting the narratives used to portray individuals opposing vaccines and/or vaccine mandates, and (3) investigating the use of the term “No-Vax”. To these aims, we collected 2890 Facebook posts published by the Italian National Press Agency (ANSA) between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2023, via the (Meta) CrowdTangle application. Data were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative techniques. Results show the presence of four main vaccine-related narratives in the pre-pandemic period (2016–2019)—i.e., vaccination as threatened by fake news, as a lifesaving practice, as a political matter, as a subgroup requirement—and three narratives during the pandemic and post-pandemic period (2020–2023)—depicting vaccinations as a long-awaited achievement, as a social requirement, and as a tool in need of confirmation. The results further show that the term ‘No-Vax’ has some negative connotations and is unable to represent the diversity of vaccine-critical positions. The media’s role in shaping public opinion suggests a need for more nuanced reporting that acknowledges the diversity of views and concerns regarding vaccination. Future research should explore how different media outlets frame vaccine hesitancy and the impact of these narratives on public health communication.