Vaccine confidence: the keys to restoring trust. Issue 5 (3rd May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Badur, Selim; Ota, Martin; Öztürk, Serdar; Adegbola, Richard; Dutta, Anil
• Is Part Of: Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics. Volume 16:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: 1007
• Page End: 1017
• Publication Date: 2020-05-03
• Subjects: Health education -- health knowledge -- immunization -- vaccination coverage -- vaccination refusal -- vaccine hesitancy -- parental psychology -- public trust -- social media; Vaccines -- Periodicals; 615.372
• DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1740559
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2164-5515

Abstract

ABSTRACT: During the 20 th century, the discovery of modern vaccines and ensuing mass vaccination dramatically decreased the incidence of many infectious diseases and in some cases eliminated them. Despite this, we are now witnessing a decrease in vaccine confidence that threatens to reverse the progress made. Considering the different extents of low vaccine confidence in different countries of the world, both developed and developing, we aim to contribute to the discussion of the reasons for this, and to propose some viable scientific solutions to build or help restore vaccine confidence worldwide. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: What is the context? Despite availability and benefits of vaccines, coverage is not always optimal. This may be partly attributed to vaccine hesitancy, a global health threat defined as the delay in acceptance or the refusal of vaccines despite availability of vaccines and vaccination services. What is new? Loss of trust is a key determinant to low vaccine confidence. Misinformation and misconceptions about vaccine safety, about diseases and their transmissions, and mistrust in science appear to be among the most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Vaccine hesitancy appears to contribute to suboptimal vaccination coverage, which may lead to disease outbreaks, increased health expenditures, and needless deaths. What is the impact? We acknowledge the important role played by healthcare practitioners and the media in individuals' decisions. However, vaccine hesitancy has consequences beyond the individual. To address this important problem, we believe in a collective approach to build trust. Key success factors lie in transparency on risks and benefits and access to scientifically valid information.