The Interplay of Politics and Conspiracy Theories in Shaping Vaccine Hesitancy in a Diverse Cultural Setting in Italy

Christian J. Wiedermann (), Barbara Plagg, Patrick Rina, Giuliano Piccoliori and Adolf Engl
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Christian J. Wiedermann: Institute of General Practice and Public Health, College of Health Professions—Claudiana, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
Barbara Plagg: Institute of General Practice and Public Health, College of Health Professions—Claudiana, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
Patrick Rina: Institute of General Practice and Public Health, College of Health Professions—Claudiana, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
Giuliano Piccoliori: Institute of General Practice and Public Health, College of Health Professions—Claudiana, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
Adolf Engl: Institute of General Practice and Public Health, College of Health Professions—Claudiana, 39100 Bolzano, Italy

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 2, 1-15

Abstract: Vaccine hesitancy presents a significant challenge to public health, particularly in culturally diverse regions, such as South Tyrol, Italy. This article examines the interplay between political influences, conspiracy theories, and vaccine hesitancy in South Tyrol, an autonomous province characterised by its linguistic diversity and historical scepticism toward central authority. This study aimed to identify the important drivers of vaccine hesitancy and propose targeted strategies to enhance vaccine acceptance. Peer-reviewed and grey literature was examined to explore the sociocultural factors, political dynamics, and conspiracy narratives influencing vaccine hesitancy in South Tyrol. The analysis incorporated publicly available materials, including propaganda from anti-vaccine organisations, and regional public health data to contextualise the findings. Vaccine hesitancy in South Tyrol was influenced by historical tensions with the central government, cultural alignment with Austrian healthcare practices, and politically motivated opposition to vaccination. Conspiracy theories disseminated by local organisations and political entities exploit concerns regarding governmental overreach and personal autonomy. These dynamics are compounded by the selective misrepresentation of scientific discourse, which further polarises public opinion. Addressing vaccine hesitancy in South Tyrol requires culturally sensitive communication, community engagement through trusted local figures, transparency in health policies, and the proactive monitoring of misinformation. These strategies can mitigate mistrust and promote vaccine acceptance in regions with similar sociopolitical complexities.

Keywords: vaccine hesitancy; conspiracy theories; South Tyrol; public health; COVID-19; misinformation; cultural dynamics; political influence; grey literature (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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