Mind the “Vaccine Fatigue”

Abstract

BackgroundOmicron scares and speculations are gaining momentum. Amid the nonstop debates and discussions about COVID-19 vaccines, the “vaccine fatigue” phenomenon may become more prevalent. However, to date, no research has systematically examined factors that shape people’s vaccine fatigue. To bridge the research gap, this study aims to investigate the antecedents that cause or catalyze people’s vaccine fatigue.MethodsA narrative literature review was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO to identify factors that shape people’s vaccine fatigue. The search was completed on December 6, 2021, with a focus on scholarly literature published in English.ResultsA total of 37 articles were reviewed and analyzed. Vaccine fatigue was most frequently discussed in the context of infectious diseases in general at the pre-vaccination stage. Vaccine fatigue has been identified in the general public, the parents, and the doctors. Overall, a wide range of antecedents to vaccine fatigue has been identified, ranging from the frequency of immunization demands, vaccine side effects, misconceptions about the severity of the diseases and the need for vaccination, to lack of trust in the government and the media.ConclusionVaccine fatigue is people’s inertia or inaction towards vaccine information or instruction due to perceived burden and burnout. Our study found that while some contributors to vaccine fatigue are rooted in limitations of vaccine sciences and therefore can hardly be avoided, effective and empathetic vaccine communications hold great promise in eliminating preventable vaccine fatigue across sectors in society.

Declining influenza vaccination rates in an underserved pediatric primary care center during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Another possible explanation for decreased influenza vaccine uptake may be related to vaccine fatigue during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccine fatigue, defined as a person’s inaction toward vaccine information or instruction from perceived burden or burnout, [20] can be due to multiple factors, including vaccine side effects, misconceptions about the severity of an infection and need for vaccination, and lack of trust in policymakers. This phenomenon affects the general public, caregivers, and healthcare workers.…”

Measurement of burnout during the prolonged pandemic in the Chinese zero-COVID context: COVID-19 burnout views scale

“…Based on the current research findings, we expected a positive relationship of COVID-19 BVS with (i) FCV-19S ( 49 ), (ii) presence of chronic illnesses ( 50 ), and (iii) support for living with the pandemic, i.e., by reducing the social distancing measures ( 51 ). Research shows that burnout level may influence people's inertia or inaction toward vaccination ( 52 ). A negative association between the COVID-19 BVS and the status of COVID-19 vaccination ( 53 ) was expected.…”

Molecular mechanisms responsible for SARS-CoV-2 antibody waning and vaccine escape in Omicron sublineages BA.4 and BA.5

“…Many people are becoming weary and frustrated by the rise of breakthrough infections and the notion that there is no foreseeable 'end in sight' for COVID-19 vaccinations as the virus continues to mutate and evade neutralizing antibodies. This apathy and indifference is being referred to as 'vaccination fatigue', which is the inertia or inaction of a person towards vaccine information or instruction due to both burden and burnout [11]. One study from Su et al (2022) found that 'vaccine fatigue' has been observed in the public, children's parents, policymakers, and healthcare professionals and is predominantly driven by the vaccination frequency being recommended by public health authorities, vaccine side effects, disease severity, and a lack of trust in the government and media [11].…”