Uncertainty at the needle point

This chapter presents the argument that to better understand vaccine hesitancy and trust in Norway during COVID-19, we need to look back at how the 2009–2010 A(H1N1) or swine flu pandemic was handled, and its consequences thereafter. During both pandemics, Norwegian public health authorities recommended mass vaccination. However, in contrast to COVID-19, it was known from early on that swine flu would have a mild course for most people. Furthermore, 70 minors were later diagnosed with narcolepsy as a side effect from the influenza vaccine Pandemrix. By drawing on multiple sources of empirical data, the author compares Norwegian public health communication during swine flu to that of COVID-19. While uncertainty at the needle point and otherwise was characteristic of both swine flu and COVID-19, the objective is to discuss whether transparency in public health communication may increase or decrease trust in (mass) vaccination programs.