COVID-19 vaccine program in Nigeria: A systematic review of newspaper reporting

Abstract Introduction: The COVID-19 vaccination program in Nigeria commenced on March 5, 2021, and garnered substantial media attention and extensive coverage in national newspapers. This study aimed to examine the portrayal of COVID-19 vaccination in Nigerian media. Method: A quantitative content analysis of 263 articles from major Nigerian newspapers published between January 2020 and December 2023 was conducted to examine the evidence presented on vaccination, perceived risks of COVID-19, and the overall tone of media coverage related to COVID-19 vaccination in Nigeria. Using relevant keywords, articles were retrieved through Google News, Google Search, and PressReader from newspapers including Punch, Vanguard, Daily Trust, Premium Times, and The Whistler, selected for their extensive national reach and readership. The content of the articles was systematically reviewed and analyzed. Data for this study were analyzed using quantitative thematic content analysis and descriptive statistical techniques to systematically examine patterns in newspaper coverage of the COVID-19 vaccine. Results: Of the 263 articles reviewed, 60% (158/263) of media coverage was pro-vaccine, while 17.5% (46/263) was anti-vaccine and 22.4% (59/263) presented a balanced view of both perspectives. Some of the platforms cited evidence from scientific studies in 44.9% (118/263) of the articles and expert opinions in 40% (105/263), while 15% (40/263) provided no evidence. Regarding risk communication, articles primarily emphasised COVID-19 complications in 47.5% (125/263) of the articles and vaccine side effects in 30% (79/263). scientists and medical professionals were the most common and positively framed sources, whereas attributions to government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international health bodies were frequently linked to mixed or negative sentiments. Conclusion: Nigerian newspapers generally portrayed COVID-19 vaccination positively, although some reports have contributed to skepticism regarding vaccine safety. These findings demonstrate the role of media framing in shaping trust in the public. Future studies should explore how such portrayals influence vaccination behaviour and policy outcomes in Nigeria.