If not me, then who? Social media, vaccine hesitancy, and ethical responsibility in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic is the most significant public health emergency of the 21st century.However,the infection of social media with fact-less,false,and misleading information concerning Covid-19 has direct and detrimental effects on millions of people’s health and well-being,often with deadly consequences.With the introduction of Covid-19 vaccines,an end to the pandemic is in sight.Yet,the unsubstantiated and damaging claims about the vaccine remain prevalent throughout society.As a result,a large segment of the population is hesitant to be vaccinated.As social media is used to sow false information.It also can be used to temper or eradicate the cascading and self-perpetuating flow of misinformation and misperceptions by disseminating truthful,timely,and action-oriented information.And in doing so,promote the efficacy and safety of the vaccines and highlight the responsibility we get vaccinated for Covid-19.Therefore,it is the ethical and moral obligation of every powerful entity-healthcare providers,pharmaceutical companies,social media platforms,and individual users-to stop the spread of misinformation and promote fact-and evidence-based information throughout the media that they control or participate in.Pathways to overcoming vaccine hesitancy and a return to a sense of normalcy depend on these efforts.