Yet misconceptions about vaccination persist, including the belief that improved hygiene and sanitation have made vaccines unnecessary. Why do such claims continue to attract support when the evidence for vaccination is so strong?
Vaccination’s success partly explains this. In highly vaccinated countries, diseases that once killed or disabled millions have become so uncommon that many people have never witnessed their consequences. As the threat of disease becomes less visible, the perceived risk of vaccination can begin to outweigh the perceived risk of infection.
Vaccine scepticism also reflects concerns about personal freedom and distrust of pharmaceutical companies or governments. Research identifies confidence in vaccines, perceived disease risk and access as important influences on vaccination decisions.
Social media can amplify misleading claims. A 2024 review linked seeking information on social media with less favourable attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines, although findings varied.
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