Attitudes towards COVID Vaccine and Vaccine Hesitancy in Dermatology: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Vaccine hesitancy has been a contentious issue even before the pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis has further amplified vaccine hesitancy, with worries about adverse effects, cultural and religious beliefs, and misinformation on social media. In dermatology, patients with pre-existing skin conditions may have specific concerns about the impact of the vaccine on their skin health. Factors such as cutaneous reactions, potential flares of underlying conditions, and fears of psoriasis worsening post-vaccination contribute to vaccine hesitancy. Healthcare professionals, including dermatologists, play a crucial role in addressing vaccine hesitancy by providing accurate information, addressing concerns, and understanding the psychological impact on patients. The concept of vaccine fatigue is also explored, noting the challenges in sustaining vaccine acceptance over time, especially with regards to booster vaccinations. Overcoming vaccine hesitancy requires trust-building, effective communication strategies, and collaboration between healthcare workers and non-healthcare individuals to combat misinformation. By recognizing and addressing psychological factors, dermatologists can increase vaccine acceptance and improve public health efforts.

Psychosocial Factors Influencing Vaccine Hesitancy: A Study in the Context of COVID-19

“…This hesitancy was further classi ed into ve distinct categories, highlighting the complexity of the issue. Concerns about potential vaccine side effects, in uence from misinformation, and historical mistrust of vaccines emerged as prominent factors contributing to hesitancy [11,22,28].…”

“…Vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a complex issue in uenced by various factors, including misinformation, political polarization, historical mistrust, access barriers, and fear of side effects. Addressing these concerns and promoting vaccination as a vital public health measure is crucial in the ght against the virus [13,21,22]. Public health o cials, healthcare providers, and community leaders must work collaboratively to build trust, provide accurate information, and ensure equitable access to vaccines.…”