Although research investigating the therapeutic potential of RNA has been ongoing since the 1970s, its novel use as a vaccine platform to target the SARS‑CoV‑2 virus during the COVID-19 pandemic brought this technology centre-stage.
The first large-scale application of mRNA during the COVID-19 pandemic has been hailed as an unprecedented scientific achievement, and advancements in next-generation mRNA technologies are poised to transform health care as they can flexibly be applied and scaled to treat and prevent many different conditions — yet growing public mistrust and polarization surround mRNA technology.
To further explore public sentiment and strengthen trust in these technologies, the BRC has also gathered social and behavioural insights using a range of methodologies, including social media analysis, a national survey, community dialogues, and literature reviews. This brief synthesizes key findings and offers recommendations to inform approaches and strategies related to mRNA technology.
Recommendations
- Work with trusted messengers (e.g., health-care providers, community leaders, etc.) to develop clear messaging around mRNA technologies and support understanding of the therapeutic pipeline in Canada.
- Tailored engagement, including co-production of communication outputs and trust-building with high-priority groups, is needed. Areas of consensus, including positive sentiments around building domestic biomanufacturing capacity, can be leveraged to facilitate trust building.
- Proactive messaging and “pre-bunking” approaches, should be applied to novel applications for mRNA technology, such as cancer and H5N1 vaccines.
- Clear messaging promoting the benefits, safety, and efficacy of mRNA therapeutic technology should be amplified when partisan announcements regarding the technology are made
- Support expert influencers to engage in online discussions around mRNA. Invest in social media campaigns and science communication training to support governments, public health and news organizations, health-care facilities, scientists, medical professionals, and public health experts in developing online messaging that is evidence informed, engaging, and emotionally resonant.
