rokotusvastustus

Rokotusvastustus, also known as vaccine hesitancy, refers to a delay in acceptance or a refusal of vaccines despite the availability of vaccination services. It is a complex phenomenon influenced by a variety of factors, including concerns about vaccine safety, perceived risks versus benefits, misinformation, religious or philosophical objections, and distrust in healthcare providers or public health institutions.

The World Health Organization has identified vaccine hesitancy as one of the top global health threats. While the vast majority of people accept vaccines, even a small percentage of hesitancy can lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases. This is because herd immunity, the indirect protection from an infectious disease that occurs when a large percentage of a population has become immune, can be compromised if vaccination rates fall below a critical threshold.

Factors contributing to rokotusvastustus are diverse and can include personal experiences, social influences, and media coverage. Misinformation, particularly spread through social media, plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and fueling doubts about vaccine efficacy and safety. Addressing vaccine hesitancy requires a multifaceted approach, including clear and transparent communication from trusted sources, education about vaccine benefits and risks, and efforts to counter misinformation. Public health campaigns often focus on building trust and addressing specific concerns raised by hesitant individuals or communities.