Increases in preventable diseases due to antivaccination beliefs: Implications for schools.

Abstract

Human history is replete with pandemics caused by virulent diseases that have produced overwhelming suffering and death. Our future will require swift, sensible, and near-universal vaccine response as viruses evolve and thrive. When viruses like COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 emerge and mutate, vaccine researchers must be nimble and responsive to quickly develop effective vaccines. However, averting a preventable disease and consequent pandemic also requires the participation of all members of society, and there remain a considerable number of individuals who refuse to accept vaccination as a safe and effective prophylaxis. This refusal stems from deeply rooted fears and values and is further reinforced by antivaccination propaganda circulating the internet and media. By considering the psychological underpinnings of antivaccination attitudes, vaccination advocates, scientists, and policy makers can adapt and target their vaccination campaigns to appeal to those with doubts and concerns about vaccines. Schools serve an important role in promoting and mandating vaccinations to help prevent disease, and vaccinations are vital in school settings where densely populated classrooms facilitate the propagation of disease. School administrators and school nurses have important roles in establishing vaccination requirements and ensuring compliance, and school psychologists and mental health staff can help address vaccination concerns, doubts, and fears among school staff, parents, and students. It is vital that scientists, health care providers, and school staff work collaboratively to communicate with families and children about vaccination and counter antivaccination narratives with emotionally compelling stories that promote vaccine uptake and prevent disease outbreaks. Impact and ImplicationsThis review examines the resurgence of cases of preventable diseases (i.e., measles, pertussis, influenza, and coronavirus disease ) due to vaccination refusal, thus leading to disease outbreak. The psychological underpinnings of vaccine refusal are explored to better understand the thoughts and feelings of individuals who refuse to vaccinate themselves and/or their children. Schools are challenged with preventing and managing disease outbreaks, and school psychologists, school nurses, and administrators can better address vaccine hesitancy and refusal by understanding the concerns and fears that underlie the reluctance.