One of the tools to improve the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine risk perception and reduce uncertainty is the dissemination of transparent, comprehensible, balanced and fact-based information. However, people have been overwhelmed with information, some of which is false and misleading, especially online. To promote evidence-based decision-making, this project has produced easy-to-understand fact boxes providing objective information on the risks and benefits of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)-based vaccines against COVID-19. The project aims to facilitate evidence-based conversations and informed decisions about vaccination.
The fact boxes are developed for mRNA-based vaccines for two age groups: adults under the age of 60 years, and adults aged 60 years and older. The fact boxes feature:
- a description of the reference group, for example: adults under the age of 60 years;
- the most relevant end points of the benefits and harms of vaccination for a given age group, for example: the chances of contracting COVID-19;
- two groups of the same denominator with the same reference group, for example: 1000 vaccinated adults under 60 years compared with 1000 unvaccinated adults of the same age group;
- numbers are shown as absolute risks;
- a short summary or additional note explaining typical and rare side effects of vaccination;
- sources of the information; and
- date of last update.
The fact boxes are accompanied by questions and answers that address the following:
- What COVID-19 is;
- How vaccination against COVID-19 with an mRNA vaccine works;
- Who may consider vaccination;
- What other measures help prevent infections; and
- How well can a vaccinated person protect others.
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