India, Pakistan, and polio

Merten, Martina

doi:10.1136/bmj.i2417

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

References 0 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…During poliomyelitis vaccination programmes in early 2000, a seed of distrust was sown in particular communities by linking vaccination with sterility and by falsely claiming that pig’s blood was present in the vaccine, among other things [ 26 , 27 ]. However, realising the importance of vaccination, religious leaders who were silent initially, along with community influencers, eventually actively fostered the social mobilisation that led to the successful elimination of poliomyelitis [ 28 , 29 ].…”

Section: Challenges Surrounding Vaccine Hesitancy or Confidence In Inmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Vaccine Hesitancy as a Challenge or Vaccine Confidence as an Opportunity for Childhood Immunisation in India

et al. 2020

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Vaccines have contributed substantially to decreasing the morbidity and mortality rates of many infectious diseases worldwide. Despite this achievement, an increasing number of parents have adopted hesitant behaviours towards vaccines, delaying or even refusing their administration to children. This has implications not only on individuals but also society in the form of outbreaks for e.g. measles, chicken pox, hepatitis A, etc. A review of the literature was conducted to identify the determinants of vaccine hesitancy (VH) as well as vaccine confidence and link them to challenges and opportunities associated with vaccination in India, safety concerns, doubts about the need for vaccines against uncommon diseases and suspicions towards new vaccines were identified as major vaccine-specific factors of VH. Lack of awareness and limited access to vaccination sites were often reported by hesitant parents. Lastly, socio-economic level, educational level and cultural specificities were contextual factors of VH in India. Controversies and rumours around some vaccines (e.g., human papillomavirus) have profoundly impacted the perception of the risks and benefits of vaccination. Challenges posed by traditions and cultural behaviours, geographical specificities, socio-demographic disparities, the healthcare system and vaccine-specific features are highlighted, and opportunities to improve confidence are identified. To overcome VH and promote vaccination, emphasis should be on improving communication, educating the new generation and creating awareness among the society. Tailoring immunisation programmes as per the needs of specific geographical areas or communities is also important to improve vaccine confidence. Fig. 1 Plain language summary

show abstract

Section: Challenges Surrounding Vaccine Hesitancy or Confidence In Inmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Similarly, religious leaders should also be included as important partners when communicating about immunisation as they can have a major impact when supporting it [ 62 ]. For example, the mobilisation of Muslim leaders in India was instrumental in the eradication of poliomyelitis [ 28 ].…”

Section: Opportunities To Increase Vaccine Confidence In Indiamentioning

confidence: 99%