People’s decisions about vaccines are shaped more by their social beliefs and trust in healthcare workers than by knowledge or awareness of the science behind them.

Jaca pointed out that factors such as views on parenting, illness, gender, and even political trust influence whether individuals will choose to vaccinate. For example, she noted that some parents hesitate to give their children the HPV vaccine due to concerns about promoting sexual activity, an example of how deeply ingrained societal beliefs impact vaccine acceptance.

This research, which looked at childhood and HPV vaccinations, suggests that public health efforts must go beyond simply sharing information about vaccine safety and effectiveness. Instead, building trust within communities and addressing cultural concerns will be key to overcoming vaccine hesitancy.

--ChannelAfrica--