Vaccine hesitancy: causes, consequences, and its impact on public health
Abstract
Vaccination represents one of the most significant advancements in public health, serving as a revolutionary tool in the prevention of infectious diseases. However, today, vaccine hesitancy and refusal pose a serious threat to the effectiveness of vaccination programs worldwide, weakening herd immunity and jeopardizing public health. Vaccine hesitancy arises from a variety of factors, including deep mistrust of vaccines, psychological influences, information deficiencies, cultural and social barriers, as well as issues related to access to healthcare services. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, has made the scope and impact of this problem even more apparent. The negative effects of vaccine hesitancy on public health have led to the rapid spread of infectious diseases, an increase in epidemics, and a dramatic rise in treatment costs. This article examines the origins, historical development, and profound effects of vaccine hesitancy on herd immunity, while also proposing effective strategies to address this issue, ultimately contributing to the strengthening of global health security.
Keywords
Vaccines , Vaccination , Vaccination Hesitancy , Public health
Kaynakça
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