"Spike Force" : Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Immersive Virtual Reality Serious Game to Combat Vaccine Hesitancy

Cassandra Berry; Shri Rai; Mohd Fairuz Shiratuddin; Kok Wai Wong; Awais Amim; Maaz Mazhar

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"Spike Force" : Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Immersive Virtual Reality Serious Game to Combat Vaccine Hesitancy

Conference paper

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"Spike Force" : Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Immersive Virtual Reality Serious Game to Combat Vaccine Hesitancy

Cassandra Berry, Shri Rai, Mohd Fairuz Shiratuddin, Kok Wai Wong, Awais Amim and Maaz Mazhar

9th International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality (Osaka, Japan, 11/07/2025–13/07/2025)

07/2025

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Abstract

COVID-19

Gamification

Hesitancy

Immunisation

mRNA

Seri- ous Games

Vaccination

Virtual Reality

Vaccine hesitancy is still a significant barrier to achieving widespread immunity in many communities. In this paper, we evaluated a serious game fo-cusing on vaccination against COVID-19. This study investigates the potential of virtual reality (VR) as an innovative educational tool to address this issue. Focusing on the serious game " Spike Force " , which simulates the mechanisms of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, this research evaluates the game's effectiveness in enhancing participants' understanding, altering attitudes, and influencing behaviours related to vaccination. Participants engaged with " Spike Force, " and their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours were assessed through pre-and post-gameplay questionnaires. The findings show that immersive VR experiences can significantly improve vaccine literacy, increase confidence in vaccine-related discussions, and promote positive behavioural changes toward vaccination. These results suggest that VR could play an effective advocacy role for public health education, particularly in combating vaccine hesitancy.

Details

Title: "Spike Force" : Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Immersive Virtual Reality Serious Game to Combat Vaccine Hesitancy
Authors/Creators: Cassandra Berry (Author) - Murdoch University, School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences
Shri Rai (Author) - Murdoch University, School of Information Technology
Mohd Fairuz Shiratuddin (Corresponding Author) - Murdoch University, School of Information Technology
Kok Wai Wong (Author) - Murdoch University, Centre for Water, Energy and Waste
Awais Amim (Author)
Maaz Mazhar (Author)
Conference: 9th International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality (Osaka, Japan, 11/07/2025–13/07/2025)
Identifiers: 991005821749407891
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Information Technology; Centre for Water, Energy and Waste; School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences
Language: English
Resource Type: Conference paper

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