The Persistence of Vaccine Skepticism

Statistically, vaccines have been proven to be immensely effective in preventing the growth and spread of disease. However, despite numerous longitudinal studies, expert opinions, and overwhelmingly positive impacts on global health, a certain portion of the population remains skeptical of the benefits of vaccination. This phenomenon has only been highlighted by the recent Covid-19 pandemic, and the development of the Covid-19 vaccine. Whether these individuals are skeptical of the production methods of the vaccine, or unintended side effects, the spread of misinformation has tarnished the reputation of a great scientific advancement. This hesitance to be vaccinated primarily stems from a general lack of understanding, compounded by the influence of social media and fake news. Many individuals have begun to misconstrue the intentions and the effects of vaccination on the populous. With vaccines being produced faster than ever, and with such a tumultuous modern day medical environment, the health of many depends on the general populations\u27 trust in the vaccines. While exploring why vaccine mistrust persists, this project will also attempt to explain why it is imperative we place our trust in vaccination programs for the safety of all