Filling the gap to address vaccine hesitancy in Europe

Abstract

Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is a state of indecision regarding vaccination, marked by doubts despite vaccine availability [1]. Its relationship with vaccine uptake has been widely debated, though the cause-effect relationship remains unclear. Nevertheless, VH likely threatens the control of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles and hepatitis B, imposing unnecessary burdens on health systems. Inappropriate access to information, inadequate vaccine offers, and administration have been identified as primary contributors to reluctance and doubts surrounding vaccine uptake. However, social and individual factors related to knowledge and attitudes further prolong this psychological state of indecision, leading to delayed vaccinations and even refusal. Despite extensive efforts to promote vaccination across European countries, VH persists, affecting vaccine uptake across various demographic groups and settings. Hesitancy varies by country, type of vaccine (whether recently approved or longstanding), and target populations, including children, vulnerable groups, or the general population. Assessing the frequency, determinants, and impact of vaccine hesitancy presents a significant global and regional challenge [2]. Variations in definitions, data gaps regarding vaccine acceptance, and population coverage hinder precise evaluation. These discrepancies make it more difficult to develop targeted interventions and allocate resources to promote vaccination in a targeted manner and thus effectively improve vaccine acceptance on a large scale.