How religious and political affiliation influence belief in COVID-19 vaccine myths in Canada & the United States

• Main Author: Hallberg, Avery
• Other Authors: Ladner, Kiera (Political Science), Patzer, Jeremy (Sociology and Criminology), Wilkinson, Lori
• Language: English
• Published: 2024
• Subjects: COVID-19; vaccination; misinformation; social media; myth belief; political affiliation; Canada; USA; Metis
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1993/38514

Using survey data from the CIHR-funded three country project "COVID-19's Differential Impact on Indigenous Peoples and Newcomers: A Socioeconomic Analysis of Canada, USA and Mexico", this thesis explores two central questions: How are community connections affecting COVID-19 vaccination rates, and how are these connections affecting our belief in COVID-19 myths? The study's findings reveal that our social connections, political and religious affiliations, social media usage, trust in institutions, and our social circles, play a significant role in shaping perceptions of vaccines and myths regarding coronavirus. Although political divisions affect vaccine uptake and myth beliefs in both countries, this pattern is stronger in the USA. Social media has also polarized opinions and has influenced vaccine uptake in both countries. The thesis employs social constructionism to explain how social interactions and connections shape our perceptions of reality. Additionally, it draws on political culture theory to analyze how political beliefs influence various facets of our lives, including responses to public health crises. The thesis concludes by providing critical data and results that can assist government officials, epidemiologists and policymakers to bridge social divides and develop strategies to manage future pandemics better. October 2024 The Canadian Institute for Health Research Grant# VS2-175571 The Canadian Research Chair Tier One Migrations Future The University of Manitoba- Master’s Award for Indigenous Student and the John and Catherine Kelly Indigenous Post-Graduate Bursary Indspire- Building Brighter Futures Award NIB- Trust Fund Scholarship The Manitoba Metis Federation Post-Secondary Education program