Ideological and safety frames in the Nigerian newspaper’s coverage of COVID-19 vaccination

Abstract This study analysed the frames in six major Nigerian newspapers’ coverage of COVID-19 vaccination. The objectives of the study include to identify the ideological frames employed by selected Nigerian newspapers’ coverage of COVID-19 vaccination and safety frames used by selected Nigerian newspapers’ coverage of COVID-19 vaccination. The newspapers—Vanguard, The Guardian, The Nation, The Punch, Daily Trust, and Leadership—were examined through quantitative content analysis approach. The study's population comprised 784 newspaper articles, from which a sample size of 384 was drawn for content analysis. Purposive sampling guided the selection of news content. The agenda-setting and framing theories provided the framework for the study. The primary research instrument for data collection was the coding sheet. The study revealed diverse framings in Nigerian newspapers’ COVID-19 vaccination coverage. Vanguard and Leadership predominantly focused on frames of freedom and individual rights, indicating a tendency to emphasise personal choice and liberty in the context of vaccination. In contrast, The Guardian and DailyTrust leaned heavily towards health equity framing, reflecting a strong commitment to addressing disparities and promoting fairness in vaccine distribution and access. The Nation and Punch showed a significant focus on health equity but also incorporated substantial public health and solidarity framing, suggesting an approach that balances communal health benefits with equitable access. The findings further revealed that Vanguard predominantly focused on adverse reactions and side effects, whereas The Guardian emphasised discussing the balance between vaccine efficacy and safety. However, there was inconsistency across The Guardian and The Nation in addressing rare events, unforeseen consequences and regulatory oversight. Notably, Leadership and Punch were notable for their efforts in addressing regulatory oversight and safety assurance. These findings contributed to the refinement and validation of agenda-setting theory and framing theory, advancing our understanding of media dynamics in shaping public perspectives on vaccination efforts. Key Words: Coverage, COVID-19, Ideological, Newspaper, Nigeria, Safety, Vaccination About the Author *John Dogara Ogoshi, Ph. D., is a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Federal University of Lafia, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria with specialisation in Print Journalism and Communication. JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 18, No. 1, April 2026, pp. 86-101. © Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON). Article Citation Ogoshi, J. D. (2026). Ideological and safety frames in the Nigerian newspaper’s coverage of COVID-19 vaccination. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 18 (1): 86-101. Full Article Words: 8,599 Pages: 16 To access full article, click on download.