Recent online surveys have been conducted to assess the acceptance level of vaccines among the general population worldwide. The findings have illuminated a prevalent issue known as ‘vaccine hesitancy’, a phenomenon where individuals delay or utterly refuse vaccination despite the availability of vaccine services.
Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy
Vaccine hesitancy is not a simple, wide-ranging condition. Rather, it is an intricate, multifaceted issue that can differ significantly depending on time, place, and the specific vaccine in question. Various elements contribute to this mindset, including complacency (apathy towards vaccination), convenience (ease of access to vaccines), and confidence (faith in the efficacy and safety of vaccines).
Main Causes of Vaccine Hesitancy
The leading cause of vaccine hesitancy is misinformation. A prevalent misunderstanding is the unfounded belief perpetuated by religious propaganda that vaccines contain forbidden microbes, chemicals, and animal-derived products. Furthermore, social media platforms have become tools for spreading fear by falsely linking vaccines to unrelated illnesses.
For instance, some groups in India abstained from receiving the polio vaccine due to unfounded beliefs that the vaccine could cause illness, infertility, and was ineffective.
Vaccine-Derived Diseases and Accessibility Issues
Vaccines like the Oral Polio Vaccines (OPV) contain weakened but live viruses. Immunized children excrete these, and they can then transfer from person to person. This transmission allows the virus to persist and mutate into more virulent forms, potentially resulting in vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV).
Moreover, the inconvenience of accessing vaccines also contributes to vaccine hesitancy, particularly in regions with inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: A Case Study
The hesitancy surrounding the Covid-19 vaccine has been prominently visible. A study by infectious diseases consultants at Apollo Hospital, Chennai, involving 1424 health professionals, found that only 45% would willingly take the Covid-19 vaccine as soon as it became available. The remaining 55% would defer vaccination or were undecided. Another agency, Local Circles, reported that 59% of the surveyed public opted to defer vaccination.
The hesitancy may have serious implications, potentially thwarting efforts to control the pandemic and resulting in a widespread disease outbreak.
Solutions to Address Vaccine Hesitancy
To combat this global issue, raising public awareness is key. Confidence can be inspired in the public by openly discussing the robust procedures involved in drug and vaccine development, such as clinical trial designs, monitoring techniques, analysis methods, and regulatory reviews conducted before approval.
Moreover, using social media platforms to counter misinformation about vaccines and promote awareness can also be an effective strategy in fighting vaccine hesitancy.
