Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy: A Nursing Perspective

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Policy
• Nursing

Background:

• Vaccination is a critical public health intervention, preventing millions of deaths annually.
• Vaccine hesitancy (VH) emerged as a significant challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting millions.
• Understanding the history and legal aspects of VH is crucial for effective public health strategies.

Approach:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted to explore the history of VH.
• Legal aspects of vaccine hesitancy were examined.
• Effective strategies for addressing disinformation and misinformation were synthesized.

Key Points:

• There is a notable scarcity of literature on effective strategies to combat VH, particularly from a nursing viewpoint.
• Existing research on VH often dates back to the 1970s, lacking modern approaches.
• Nursing implications and innovative strategies, including high-fidelity simulations for students, are proposed.

Conclusions:

• Misinformation and disinformation significantly hinder vaccination uptake, increasing risks for routine immunizations.
• Healthcare professionals must be equipped to address diverse patient concerns regarding vaccines.
• Strategies include providing accurate information, addressing patient concerns, and reducing access barriers to decrease VH.