Science Communication and Inoculation: Mitigating the Effects of the Coronavirus Outbreak

This chapter begins with a general description of inoculation theory, its operational mechanisms, and overall past efficacy. It focuses on the success of inoculation messages applied to topics central to science communication. Inoculation messages are well suited to deliver both motivation and sufficient analytical skills to contest the spread of false information. The chapter presents the potential impact of inoculation-based strategies in alleviating the individual and societal effects of false information on the novel coronavirus. The coronavirus presents a major societal threat as it continues to endanger the health and economic prosperity of countries across the world. Inoculation-based message strategies have demonstrated greater efficacy compared to conventional message strategies in simultaneously creating, protecting, and changing attitudes. The chapter discusses inoculation’s potential to counter resistance to coronavirus mitigating strategies and influence public opinion and action. It also discusses the efficacy of inoculation messages to simultaneously act as defenders of science and facilitators of science-based policies.