ChallengeMisinformation regarding the health effects of vaccinations has caused fear to spread throughout communities in the U.S., leading to the rebirth of previously eradicated diseases such as Measles. |
AnswerParents receive and share information and opinions on social media related to their children’s health. Using social data and machine-learning algorithms, UCIPT researchers have developed tools that can analyze anti-vaccination behavior and predict where such sentiment is likely to continue to grow. |
ImpactPredictive insights into where health risk behaviors are spreading can inform the public and allow policymakers to prepare and prevent a health catastrophe from occurring. For example, school districts can use these insights to guide school closure where low vaccination may be an issue. |