Mainstream Media and the Politics of Vaccine Trust: Lessons from the Dengvaxia Controversy in the Philippines
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Mainstream journalism plays a decisive yet ambivalent role in shaping vaccine confidence. This chapter synthesizes global research on how media agenda-setting, framing, and professional norms influence immunization campaigns, illustrating these dynamics through the Dengvaxia vaccine controversy in the Philippines. Drawing from media and communication theory, it situates vaccine hesitancy within broader crises of trust, populist politics, and mediatized risk communication. The chapter argues that while mainstream media can enhance public understanding and counter misinformation, they are equally capable of amplifying fear and politicization. Using qualitative data from news texts, journalist interviews, and audience focus groups, the discussion shows how news values, moralization, and political rivalry transformed a scientific issue into a public scandal. The conclusion outlines practical lessons for health agencies and journalists in navigating misinformation, strengthening media literacy, and rebuilding public trust in vaccination programs.
