Vaccine Hesitancy

Ever since covid-19 wreaked havoc, it still refuses to settle down. Some mutations like the ones observed in United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil are being taken seriously by experts and community. Vaccines by Pfizer, Moderna, Astra Zeneca, among many others, have been able to provide much needed relief from the pandemic. But surveys across the globe also point to a phenomenon known as vaccine hesitancy among people.

What is vaccine hesitancy?

Vaccine hesitancy is as old as the concept of vaccination itself. The first vaccine by Edward Jenner in 1800s also had met the same fate. WHO defines vaccine hesitancy as something which refers to delay in acceptance of vaccine despite availability of vaccine services. It also states that it is complex and context specific and varies across time, place and vaccines. It can be influenced by factors like complacency, convenience and confidence. These are the psychological barriers that may stop some one from taking vaccine. If it continues then we may reach a stage where supply exceeds demand.

Combating Vaccine hesitancy

The response of people varies from place to place depending upon various factors. Some might be enthusiastic about vaccines, some observant, while some completely sceptical about it. Though vaccination is the common norm in many countries now, vaccine hesitatancy can still be seen.

There can be range of factors for it, like coincidental temporary adverse impact on health, unfamiliarity with vaccine, lack of trust in government agencies. But this needs to be tackled as vaccine hesitancy can result in personal risk and failure to achieve herd immunity to protect others.It is possible to steer people’s behaviour towards vaccination while still respecting their freedom of choice. The governments should come up with different strategies to reach out to different group demands. It should provide easy access to vaccines for the enthusiastic group and persuade those who are sceptical through scientific facts and proper communication. Help of prominent personalities who can influence people can also be considered. Studies show that this method can bring in positive social change by erasing scepticism associated with vaccine. We can also get started with politicians and government officials being vaccinated. The misinformation can be tackled by countering the myths and fake news around covid-19 vaccines.