Vaccine mis- and disinformation isn’t just a threat to public health, but also to our autonomy
This article argues that vaccine misinformation poses a significant threat to both public health and individual autonomy. It highlights the resurgence of measles in Canada as a consequence of declining vaccination rates and polarized public discourse.
Why it matters
Understanding the link between information quality and public health policy is critical for addressing modern medical crises.
Genuine autonomy depends on the information we are exposed to and have access to, and that helps shape our beliefs. (Unsplash/Getty Images) Vaccine mis‑ and disinformation isn’t just a threat to public health, but also to our autonomy Published: July 27, 2026 12:14pm EDT https://theconversation.com/vaccine-mis-and-disinformation-isnt-just-a-threat-to-public-health-but-also-to-our-autonomy-284806 https://theconversation.com/vaccine-mis-and-disinformation-isnt-just-a-threat-to-public-health-but-also-to-our-autonomy-284806 Link copied Share article Share article
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A previously eliminated disease — measles — is resurgent in Canada amid declining vaccination rates
It’s occurring at a time, post COVID-19, of increasing polarization with respect to vaccine policies. Meanwhile, overly simplistic notions of autonomy and personal choice are becoming familiar refrains in public and political debates alike.
The measles resurgence is also happening as vaccine mis- and disinformation is rife, including by those who claim to care about autonomy. But mis- and disinformation are fundamentally anti-autonomy.
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