Behind the headlines
This article published on BBC Future explores how why people may be hesitant about the CoVID-19 vaccine and how we can tackle this. Importantly, there is a distinction between those delaying getting the CoVID-19 vaccine but open to getting other vaccines and those who are actively against any kind of vaccination aka “anti-vaxxers”. Addressing concerns and queries about the vaccine should be a priority because those who are hesitant may consume anti-vaxxer organisation content while searching for evidence to confirm or dispel their concerns. Furthermore, even delayed vaccine uptake threatens herd immunity because of the speed of viral transmission.
There may be several reasons why someone may be hesitant about the CoVID vaccine, broadly these can be split into psychological and logistical concerns. Psychological concerns include low vaccine safety (the negativity bias), complacency about disease risk (the optimism bias) and lack of confidence in the medical establishment. Those with previous negative experiences in healthcare are less likely to trust the vaccine or medical professionals who endorse it. Therefore, as a medical professional being open-minded and exploring every patient’s concern and previous experiences is key. Logistical concerns include fear of needles or lack of accessibility. This is particularly relevant in poorer communities who may not have the time or expense to travel to a vaccination centre.
To overcome vaccine hesitancy, the article suggests several techniques aimed to reduce misinformation. For example, graphics comparing vaccine risk to disease risk and education about how the mRNA-based vaccine was developed so quickly- a common source of concern. This does not just fall to healthcare professionals, previously collaborations with influencer role models within communities have been used. This could be on social media but also in the US members of the community who regularly access difficult to reach groups have facilitated medical education. For example, during a 2019 measles outbreak, Orthodox Jewish nurses were involved in medical education to help parents in the community develop their own ideas about vaccines. Similarly, the University of Maryland’s Health Advocates In-Reach and Research Campaign, helps beauty salons and barbershops in Prince George’s Country become hubs that deliver medical and public house services as well as health education.
As well as being highly relevant for interview, misinformation is something medical professionals encounter daily. Finally, patient autonomy must be respected, and a medical professional can only present a patient with all the information and tools to make an informed decision.
What do you think? How can we tackle vaccine-hesitancy tactfully while improving compliance?
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