Abstract:
This research project tracked the use on headlines for stories in the NZ print media using 3 case studies of stories around the meningococcal B immunisation campaign. Headlines were compared to see if there were accurate for the story or misleading. Overall in more than 50% of the articles (26/51) the headlines were inaccurate and a further 6 headlines misleading. These small case studies illustrate the difficulties arising at the intersection between media and public health interests. Close and ongoing dialogue between media and public health professionals are important, with recognition on each side of the different drivers and needs in two different sectors.