Navigating Inconsistencies: Examining the RIVM’s narrative for legitimizing COVID-19 vaccinations
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2023-06-30
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en
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This study offers insight into how mRNA vaccinations are legitimised in the RIVM’s narrative during COVID-19. The research is a qualitative study that focuses on the RIVM’s narrative. To map this story, the following research question was formulated: How are the mRNA vaccinations legitimised in the narrative of the RIVM during COVID-19? To answer this question, an inductive study involving a narrative analysis was used. Publicly available data sources were exploited where press conferences and posts from social media channels were selected that provided clarification of the RIVM’s narrative regarding the corona vaccinations. The findings show that vaccinations were legitimised in the RIVM's narrative by emphasising that vaccines were the way out of the corona pandemic. This legitimacy was based on the effectiveness of vaccination in reducing the risk of hospitalisation and serious illness, with the RIVM citing their authority. It later became clear that the effectiveness of the vaccine was not as high as hoped and declined sharply over time. Furthermore, there were many inconsistencies present in the RIVM’s story regarding the spread of the virus after vaccination, the measures, the extent of getting ill, the booster, the risk of hospitalisation after vaccination and the reason for taking vaccination. The inconsistencies in the RIVM’s narrative to legitimise vaccinations may have caused confusion and reduced public confidence. It is important that communication on vaccinations is clear, transparent, and consistent to maintain public trust and promote the effectiveness of government efforts on vaccinations.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen