NYMC Faculty Publications

The Role of Media and the Internet on Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting: A Case Study of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination

Author Type(s)

Faculty

DOI

10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.09.005

Journal Title

The Journal of Adolescent Health

First Page

289

Last Page

295

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-2014

Department

Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology

Keywords

Adolescent, Bibliometrics, Human Papillomavirus Recombinant Vaccine Quadrivalent, Types 6, 11, 16, 18, Humans, Internet, Journalism, Medical, Linear Models, Mass Media, Meningococcal Vaccines, Newspapers as Topic, Papillomavirus Vaccines, Search Engine, United States

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the temporal association of print media coverage and Internet search activity with adverse events reports associated with the human papillomavirus vaccine Gardasil (HPV4) and the meningitis vaccine Menactra (MNQ) among United States adolescents.

METHODS: We used moderated linear regression to test the relationships between print media reports in top circulating newspapers, Internet search activity, and reports to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) for HPV4 and MNQ during the first 2.5 years after Food and Drug Administration approval.

RESULTS: Compared with MNQ, HPV4 had more coverage in the print media and Internet search activity, which corresponded with the frequency of VAERS reports. In February 2007, we observed a spike in print media for HPV4. Although media coverage waned, Internet search activity remained stable and predicted the rise in HPV4-associated VAERS reports.

CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that media coverage and Internet search activity, in particular, may promote increased adverse event reporting. Public health officials who have long recognized the importance of proactive engagement with news media must now consider strategies for meaningful participation in Internet discussions.

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