Monitoring COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects Using Social Media
Author Information
Author(s): Mackey Tim, Liu Xiaoyu, Liew Kongmeng, Scaboro Simone, Daluwatte Chathuri, Khromava Alena, Chen Yuning, Serradell Laurence, Chabanon Anne-Laure, Chan-Ou-Teung Anthony, Molony Cliona, Juhaeri Juhaeri
Primary Institution: Sanofi
Hypothesis
Can social media data be used to monitor adverse events related to COVID-19 vaccines in real time?
Conclusion
The study shows that monitoring social media can help identify adverse events related to COVID-19 vaccines more quickly than traditional reporting systems.
Supporting Evidence
- Most adverse events were identified in 2021, with fewer in 2022.
- The analysis showed that social media data can provide real-time insights into vaccine safety.
- Adverse events observed were consistent with those reported by health authorities.
- The study utilized a language model to enhance the detection of adverse events.
- Social media monitoring can help adjust signal detection strategies for vaccine safety.
- Data was collected from 190 countries in 61 languages.
- The Soteria web app allows for visual analytics of adverse events.
- Findings suggest that social media can augment traditional pharmacovigilance methods.
Takeaway
This study looks at how we can use social media to find out if people are having problems after getting COVID-19 vaccines, which can help keep everyone safe.
Methodology
A language model-based web app was developed to analyze social media and online content for adverse events related to COVID-19 vaccines.
Potential Biases
There is a risk of bias as not all patients are aware of reporting systems, and social media may not capture all adverse events accurately.
Limitations
The study may have country bias due to varying social media usage and potential over-reporting of adverse events.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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