Vaccine Hesitancy — Threat to Global Immunization Gains

Abstract

Vaccination stands among the most significant achievements of modern medicine, credited with saving millions of lives by preventing infectious disease. However, in recent years, the full potential of vaccines has been undermined by a phenomenon known as vaccine hesitancy. In 2019, vaccine hesitancy was recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the top ten threats to global health. The WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) defines “vaccine hesitancy” as a delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccination despite availability of vaccination disease prevention, and ensuring resilient health systems for future generations. 1. REFERENCES MacDonald NE; SAGE Working Group on Vaccine Hesitancy. Vaccine hesitancy: Definition, scope and determinants. Vaccine. 2015;33(34):4161-4. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.04.036. 2. 3. 1 services