Recent trends in vaccine coverage and confidence: A cause for concern

Abstract

Declining trends in vaccine confidence come at a time when routine immunization coverage for children has slumped to a decades-long low. With some of the largest losses in confidence experienced among young adults, this is a concerning trend with the potential for long-term implications. This article reflects on recent research examining the levels and trends of vaccine confidence over time and across the globe, the drivers influencing confidence, and the role of the COVID-19 pandemic in shaping confidence today. Timely examination of the causes and consequences of waning vaccine confidence and critical evaluation of COVID-19 response measures will prove vital in mitigating additional losses in vaccine confidence and uptake while contributing to building resilience in the face of future health crises.

Predictors of maternal pertussis vaccination acceptance among pregnant women in Norway

“…However, many countries have witnessed a decline in vaccine confidence. 33 This emphasizes need for continued efforts to uphold institutional trust and prevent a rise in vaccine hesitancy. Adequately addressing parental concerns and providing transparent, evidence-based information is likely to play an important role in building and maintaining this trust.…”

A World without Measles and Rubella: Addressing the Challenge of Vaccine Hesitancy

“…Several studies and polls in the U.S. and Canada have not shown significant changes in childhood vaccine hesitancy since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic [ 36 , 40 , 46 , 47 ]. On the other hand, global survey data demonstrated a decrease in the perception of the importance of vaccines for children in many countries before and after the start of the pandemic [ 48 , 49 ]. Further data are needed to fully understand the relationship between post-pandemic decreases in measles and rubella vaccination and changes in vaccine hesitancy.…”

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on routine childhood vaccinations

“…Moreover, skepticism about the safety, efficacy, and necessity of vaccines, as well as concerns about their side effects, contributed to the decline in vaccination coverage, with the extent and magnitude of the problem increasing further during the epidemic[ 20 ]. Another study demonstrated that vaccination confidence is lost mainly among young people, which is a worrying trend that may have long-term public health consequences[ 22 ]. Furthermore, Kraaijeveld et al [ 23 ] pointed out that healthy children’s routine vaccination against COVID-19 was ethically unjustified.…”