Understanding the Lacunae in Knowledge and Attitude Leading to Vaccine Hesitancy

Abstract

Vaccine hesitancy is defined as the reluctance or refusal to vaccinate despite the availability of vaccines. The World Health Organization identified Vaccine hesitancy as one of the ‘Ten threats to global health in 2019. Vaccine hesitancy affects not only the individuals but also the society by attributing to a decline in 'Herd Immunity'- a concept central to the success of vaccination campaigns. Despite being refuted by more credible sources, misinformation about vaccines continue to pave way for mistrust upon vaccines, even in economically weaker countries where vaccine coverage is inadequate. Religious beliefs and previous experiences with vaccination influence vaccine seeking behavior. Adverse Events following immunization (AEFI) may be an important factor with respect to newly launched vaccine programs. Numerous strategies have been employed including but not limited to educating target population, employing reminder and follow-up, engaging religious or other influential leaders to promote vaccination, and making vaccination mandatory. While the success of each of these strategies varies from place to place, mandating vaccination has faced some vocal opposition in the past. Vaccine hesitancy is not likely to be noticed by the common healthcare provider unless another disease outbreak attributable to it is noticed. Hence, it is imperative for the medical community to look into this matter with utmost seriousness and identify and devise strategies that cull this dilemma with an approach to understand the lacunae in knowledge or attitude of the recipients.