Vaccine hesitancy is a key concern that necessitates attention. This is because, for vaccine-preventable diseases to be effectively controlled, exceptionally high rates of timely vaccination must be persistently maintained
The infectious diseases, which perplexed the world with their tenacious grasp, were something that people were compelled to cope with. Nevertheless, one of the most significant discoveries the vaccination quelled the sense of futility.
This safe and efficacious development of the 21st century precludes diseases beyond the specific infections they are designed to combat. This is particularly vital when children are infected with viruses that could predispose them to acquiring other bacterial infections. Just as with any other medication, vaccines are also subjected to hesitancy. We term this phenomenon vaccine hesitancy.
Vaccine hesitancy is a key concern that necessitates attention. This is because, for vaccine-preventable diseases to be effectively controlled, exceptionally high rates of timely vaccination must be persistently maintained.
Vaccine hesitance is caused by a wide variety of triggers. The primary ones include the obligatory nature of vaccinations, their coincidental chronological relationships with unfavourable health outcomes, a lack of knowledge about diseases that can be prevented by vaccination, mistrust of public health organisations, and above all the misleading information about vaccine acceptability. This article therefore addresses all facets of misleading information on vaccines for children.
Childhood Vaccines: Shadows of Deceptive Information
The World Health Organisation highlighted vaccine hesitancy as one of the top threats to world health in 2019. It should be highlighted that misinformation is the most prominent cause and has existed for almost as long as vaccinations. With the advent of the internet and social media, false claims and myths are disseminated at a much higher rate, reaching wider audiences than ever before. This swift spread of misinformation compelled WHO to coin the phrase “Infodemics”.
One of the most pervasive misconceptions is the link between vaccines and autism. This false information suggesting the MMR vaccine is associated with autism stems from a 1998 study that has since been retracted. Even after it was carefully refuted and then retracted, the idea endures.
Other common misconceptions include the notions that vaccines contain harmful toxins, are less effective than natural immunity, multiple shots overwhelm a child's immune system, mandatory vaccines violate civil rights, and cause sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS.
Please be mindful that although there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims, they are nevertheless being spread online and in certain communities.
The Implications of Erroneous Information
Misinformation on paediatric vaccinations disseminated has several detrimental effects. One of the early repercussions is a drop in the vaccination rate. When faced with such allegations, parents may choose not to vaccinate their children.
A decline in vaccination rates could lead to outbreaks of infectious diseases, including Haemophilus infections, measles, mumps, and other illnesses. Moreover, erroneous vaccination information may reduce herd immunity, making vulnerable populations more susceptible to severe infectious illnesses.
Healthcare systems are severely strained financially by the outbreaks of diseases that can be avoided with vaccination. Consequently, the healthcare system and its initiatives could jeopardise the faith of the people.
Urge to Action: Dispelling Misinformation
To address this intricate, multifaceted issue of vaccine hesitancy, interventions are needed at the individual, provider, health system, and national levels.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention advise restating the advice and taking a presumptive stance when having vaccine discussions after attending to parents' concerns. Not only should doctors and other healthcare professionals reassure parents of a robust vaccination safety system, but they should also be honest about any side effects. This direct and open line of communication may potentially lessen the pain associated with vaccinations.
Persuading reluctant parents can be accomplished by crafting a compelling story that incorporates first-hand recollections and empirical evidence. These clinicians' testimonies regarding their own vaccination experiences and what they do for their children substantially boost patient trust.
There should be more than one patient at the foundation of this doctor-patient affiliation. In addition to involving communities, social media regulation may be necessary to address vaccination resistance.
Public health is at risk from misinformation on childhood vaccinations. It decreases vaccination rates and increases scepticism towards health groups and their initiatives. To address this, the community, legislators, and healthcare professionals must work together. To combat this false information, research support, social media regulation, education, and community involvement may be necessary. Given the safety and critical role of vaccines in avoiding infectious diseases, we must base our decisions about healthcare on reliable information.
(Dr. Saumya Saluja is a Surgeon and Health Educator with The Healthy Indian Project (THIP) - A Health Literacy Platform)