Why in news?
WHO has reported that vaccine hesitancy is one of the foremost threats to global health.
What is it?
- WHO describes vaccine resistance as a pause in approval or denial of vaccinations.
- In more than 90% of countries worldwide, vaccine resistance has been registered.
- In 2019, nearly 4,24,000 children worldwide reported measles compared to 1,73,000 in 2018.
How to combat it?
- Certain countries have implemented special penalties for vaccine hesitant families.
- For unvaccinated children, France has made vaccination compulsory with 11 vaccines and unvaccinated children can not enroll in schools or nurseries.
- The manufacturer of vaccines may provide honest information on the side effects of the robust safety system and provide reassurance.
- FAQs relating to vaccination and the benefits, health and immune aspects of vaccines can be provided and doctors and patients with a variety of on-line services can be connected.
- Google, Facebook and others such as these can be asked to ensure that users can view only trustworthy science-based vaccine information.
- Collaborative efforts between pediatrists, family physicians, caregivers, public health agencies, legislatures, technological companies and civil society can dispel vaccine misconceptions and misinformation.
