Public understanding and media at the beginning of COVID-19 vaccination campaigns in Spain: an STS approach

Abstract

In this contribution we reflect on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic in Spain, using the Science and Technology Studies (STS) approach. We study the evolution of public understanding on COVID-19 vaccination in Spain, looking at the scientific and industrial advances involved in the vaccines’ development, the decisions and political debates that emerged because of how the health crisis was managed, and media coverage of the process. To do this, we use data provided by the Center for Sociological Research (CIS), plus data from other national and international surveys. We also make use of a wide selection of news in the media that contributed to shaping the collective imagination on the problem in the months before and after the start of the vaccination campaign in Spain, which began at the end of December 2020. Although the exploratory study is based on data from surveys and the media, we don’t seek to offer a detailed data analysis but rather thoughtful consideration to have a better understanding of what the pandemic means for the changing relations between Science-Technology-Society.