Vaccine hesitancy
Vaccine Hesitancy
Vaccine hesitancy (pronunciation: /ˈvæksiːn hɪˈzɪtənsi/) refers to the delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite the availability of vaccination services.
Etymology
The term "vaccine hesitancy" is derived from the words "vaccine", which comes from the Latin vaccinus meaning "of or from the cow" (as the first vaccines were developed using cowpox material), and "hesitancy", which originates from the Latin haesitare meaning "to be uncertain".
Related Terms
- Vaccine: A biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease.
- Immunization: The process by which an individual's immune system becomes fortified against an agent.
- Herd Immunity: A form of indirect protection from infectious disease that can occur with some diseases when a sufficient percentage of a population has become immune to an infection.
- Vaccine Controversy: A dispute over the morality, ethics, effectiveness, or safety of vaccinations.
- Public Health: The science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting human health through organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals.
Definition
Vaccine hesitancy is a complex and context-specific phenomenon, varying across time, place, and vaccines. It is influenced by factors such as complacency, convenience, and confidence. It is considered one of the top ten threats to global health by the World Health Organization.
Causes
Vaccine hesitancy can be caused by several factors, including misinformation, distrust in healthcare providers or the healthcare system, fear of side effects, religious or philosophical beliefs, and lack of knowledge or understanding about vaccines and their importance.
Impact
The impact of vaccine hesitancy can be severe, leading to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, increased morbidity and mortality, and increased healthcare costs. It can also undermine the effectiveness of vaccination programs and threaten herd immunity.
Prevention and Control
Prevention and control of vaccine hesitancy require a multifaceted approach, including education and awareness campaigns, improving access to vaccines, addressing misinformation, and building trust in healthcare providers and the healthcare system.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vaccine hesitancy
- Wikipedia's article - Vaccine hesitancy
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