Rokotevastaisuus

Rokotevastaisuus, a Finnish term meaning “anti‑vaccination,” refers to the movement or individual positions that oppose the use of vaccines for preventing infectious diseases. The stance stems from concerns about vaccine safety, autonomy, and distrust of authorities and pharmaceutical companies. It encompasses a spectrum of beliefs, from selective vaccine refusal to opposition to all immunizations.

The movement gained public visibility in Finland during the early 2000s, particularly following controversies over the mandatory MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine program. In 2013, a national survey revealed that a small but persistent minority of parents had concerns about vaccine side effects, leading to decreased uptake of certain childhood vaccines. Subsequent outbreaks of measles in 2017–2018 highlighted the public health risks of low vaccination coverage.

Arguments used by rokotevastaisuustekijät (anti‑vaccination proponents) include allegations of biased clinical trials, alleged links between vaccines and diseases such as autism, and a belief that natural immunity is preferable. They often cite online forums and anecdotal reports rather than peer‑reviewed studies. Scientific evidence consistently shows that approved vaccines are safe and effective, with adverse events being rare and transient compared to the morbidity and mortality caused by vaccine‑preventable diseases.

Public health authorities in Finland have responded by reinforcing mandatory vaccination laws, providing transparent data on vaccine safety, and engaging in targeted educational campaigns. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) maintains a public database of vaccine schedules and efficacy studies to support evidence‑based decision making. Despite these efforts, rokotevastaisuus continues to influence a small but significant segment of the population.