From Misinformation to Action: A Multifaceted Approach to Combating Vaccine Hesitancy

Vaccine hesitancy, defined by the World Health Organization as the delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite the availability of vaccination services,1 is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon shaped by a convergence of social, health-related, economic, and cultural factors. One of the most powerful drivers of vaccine hesitancy today is the rapid and widespread dissemination of false or misleading information, particularly through social media platforms. This form of scaremongering often relies on claims that have been repeatedly and thoroughly debunked, yet continues systematically to erode public trust in scientific evidence and public health recommendations.1,2 Over the past decade, this negative trend has grown exponentially, significantly affecting vaccination coverage in the pediatric population. This commentary, prepared by members of the Working Group on Social Pediatrics of the European Pediatric Association – Union of National European Pediatric Societies and Associations in collaboration with the International Pediatric Association, briefly discusses key factors contributing to the erosion of public confidence in vaccines and the rise of skepticism and hesitation toward vaccination practices. Another goal is to raise awareness of the serious risks posed by declining vaccination rates, particularly when levels fall below the thresholds required to ensure community protection and maintain strong herd immunity. These concerns are not limited to economically disadvantaged regions, but also Western countries, where a concerning resurgence of certain infectious diseases in the pediatric population has recently been observed and poses a larger threat to public health.