Who / What
Vaccine hesitancy is a delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite their availability and supporting evidence.
It encompasses a range of attitudes—from outright refusal to uncertain acceptance of certain vaccines—while often rejecting others.
Background & History
Vaccine hesitancy emerged as a recognized phenomenon as vaccination programs expanded globally.
The term has been used to describe patterns of reluctance that vary across contexts and populations.
It is increasingly acknowledged by researchers and policymakers as a distinct public‑health concern.
Why Notable
Understanding vaccine hesitancy is critical for achieving high immunisation coverage.
It impacts the effectiveness of routine childhood vaccines and responses to disease outbreaks.
Efforts to address hesitancy can improve health outcomes and prevent resurgence of vaccine‑preventable diseases.
In the News
Vaccine hesitancy remains a pressing issue for health authorities worldwide, affecting coverage rates for both routine and pandemic vaccines.
Addressing this hesitancy is essential for maintaining public confidence and achieving herd immunity.
