Vaccine hesitancy, vaccine refusal and the anti-vaccine movement: influence, impact and implications

Expert Rev Vaccines. 2015 Jan;14(1):99-117. doi: 10.1586/14760584.2015.964212. Epub 2014 Nov 6.

Abstract

Despite being recognized as one of the most successful public health measures, vaccination is perceived as unsafe and unnecessary by a growing number of parents. Anti-vaccination movements have been implicated in lowered vaccine acceptance rates and in the increase in vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks and epidemics. In this review, we will look at determinants of parental decision-making about vaccination and provide an overview of the history of anti-vaccination movements and its clinical impact.

Keywords: anti-vaccination; parents; vaccination decisions; vaccine hesitancy; vaccine refusal.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Parents*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care*
  • Treatment Refusal / psychology*
  • Vaccination / psychology*
  • Vaccines / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Vaccines