The Interplay of Politics and Conspiracy Theories in Shaping Vaccine Hesitancy in a Diverse Cultural Setting in Italy.

ABSTRACT: Vaccine hesitancy presents a significant challenge to public health, particularly in culturally diverse regions, such as South Tyrol, Italy. This article examines the interplay between political influences, conspiracy theories, and vaccine hesitancy in South Tyrol, an autonomous province characterised by its linguistic diversity and historical scepticism toward central authority. This study aimed to identify the important drivers of vaccine hesitancy and propose targeted strategies to enhance vaccine acceptance. Peer-reviewed and grey literature was examined to explore the sociocultural factors, political dynamics, and conspiracy narratives influencing vaccine hesitancy in South Tyrol. The analysis incorporated publicly available materials, including propaganda from anti-vaccine organisati

SUBMITTER: Wiedermann CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11855398 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature