Canada's chief public health officer says the fight against vaccine-related misinformation on social media is being further complicated by the emergence of online bots designed to sow mistrust.
Dr. Theresa Tam says very divisive bots have been spreading false claims about vaccinations -- and she adds misinformation on social media is considered at least partly to blame for the 300-per-cent global increase this year in measles.
Tam says bad actors online can be very effective in sowing mistrust among parents, planting doubts and persuading people that a vaccination debate is underway among credible health experts, when in fact, she notes, there is no debate. Speaking to reporters after an event Friday in Ottawa, Tam says there are concerns Canada's vaccine coverage could slide from its current level -- which she described as not high enough, though not terrible.
She says anyone is potentially susceptible to misinformation online because even a short exposure to it can change someone's mind, and she adds it's of particular concern considering 20 to 30 per cent of parents have questions about vaccines. Tam says the key is to make sure parents with questions get science-based, credible answers from health providers.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
About one per cent of deaths in Canada medically assisted: Health CanadaAccording to Heath Canada’s latest interim report, 6,749 people have received medically assisted deaths
Read more »
Rare stacked industrial building planned for False Creek FlatsThe four-storey, 105,000-sq.-ft. building is located at 1055 Vernon Drive, the former site of an Able Auctions.
Read more »
Hundreds Host Non-Jews For Passover In Honour Of Canadian Pittsburgh Victim'2 For Seder' encourages Jewish households to invite at least two non-Jewish guests to the Passover meal.
Read more »
Hundreds Host Non-Jews For Seder In Honour Of Canadian Pittsburgh VictimThe program has helped facilitate more than 900 seders across Canada and the U.S.
Read more »
Western Canada: First Nation-owned housing development to transform part of VancouverWestern Canada: First Nation-owned housing development to transform part of Vancouver GlobeBC
Read more »
Czech Republic opens Fed Cup tie with singles victories over Canada - Sportsnet.caCanada's Rebecca Marino and Leylah Annie Fernandez lost their opening singles matches to the Czech Republic in Fed Cup play on Saturday at the Agrofert Arena.
Read more »
Czechs open Fed Cup tie with singles victories over Canada - TSN.caCanada's Rebecca Marino and Leylah Annie Fernandez lost their opening singles matches to the Czech Republic in Fed Cup play on Saturday at the Agrofert Arena.
Read more »
Canada seeks U.S. help on no-fly list headachesCanadian security officials have turned to their U.S. counterparts for advice on revamping Ottawa's troublesome no-fly list that has ensnared young children trying to check in at the airport.
Read more »
Global Affairs Canada warns of potential for more attacks in Sri LankaThe federal government is warning Canadians in Sri Lanka to limit their movements and avoid affected areas after a series of bomb blasts in Sri Lanka killed at least 207 people.
Read more »
World reacts to horror of Sri Lanka bombingsPrime Minister Justin Trudeau has joined the chorus of world leaders in condemning the suspected terrorist bombings in Sri Lanka which killed at least 200 and injured hundreds more.
Read more »