What are the social implications of vaccine hesitancy?
Vaccine hesitancy can lead to lower vaccination rates, thereby compromising herd immunity and facilitating the resurgence of preventable diseases. In socially fragmented communities, misinformation and distrust in public health initiatives can spread rapidly, further exacerbating hesitancy. This mistrust often stems from historical injustices or current inequalities, and it can be magnified by social media. Efforts to improve vaccine uptake must therefore address these underlying social issues and engage community leaders in the dialogue.
