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Correspondence to Author: Abdulhameed G. Albeshr^1*, Ahmad M. Albanyan¹,Ashwaq S. Albasheer², Duaa Obaidallah¹,Ibtesam A. Hazzazi¹,May M Aleraij¹, Munifa A. Alenazi²,Nourah A Majrashi²,Setah T. Alanazi¹,, Shatha Faisal Aldhaw¹, Yazeed A. Alhabdan¹,Yazeed Alturki¹. 

1. King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
2. King Abdulaziz university hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

DOI: 10.52338/tajoph.2025.4366

Abstract:

Background: Vaccines are one of the most effective public health interventions, contributing to the eradication of certain diseases and significantly improving life expectancy while saving millions annually. Regardless of the consensus among scientists about the benefits of vaccination, an increasing number of individuals exhibit disbelief or unwillingness toward vaccines, a phenomenon known as vaccine hesitancy. This trend poses a significant challenge for public health agencies globally, which are striving to narrow the immunization gap. The World Health Organization (WHO) identified vaccine hesitancy as one of the top threats to global health in 2019. While misconceptions and misinformation surrounding vaccines are notable contributors to hesitancy, it is crucial to recognize the multifaceted nature of this issue, which varies widely by context, culture, and socio-economic factors.
Method: A search was conducted by reviewing scientific literature published between January 1980 and September 2024 through electronic search engines. The criteria for retaining articles were the following: reports written in the English language and concerning trust and vaccine hesitancy. The majority of studies included in this review are crosssectional studies, qualitative studies, and cohort studies.
Results: Vaccine hesitancy is a complex topic. Trust in science is higher in wealthier countries and in countries where income inequality is lower. Concern over vaccines’ links to autism caused the interruption of the Hepatitis B vaccine in France and a drop in coverage for the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine in the United Kingdom and the United States. Fear of sterilization accompanied a drop in tetanus vaccination coverage in the Philippines, Nicaragua, and Mexico and encouraged the boycott of the oral polio vaccine in northern Nigeria. Seventy percent of participants in a study on the Human Papillomavirus vaccine in Saudi Arabia expressed concern about its side effects. Conclusion: This review provides crucial insights into vaccine hesitancy that can guide policymakers and public health professionals in designing effective campaign strategies. Public confidence in vaccination can wane due to both actual and perceived risks related to immunization, which may result in decreased vaccination rates and jeopardize herd immunity. Individuals’ willingness to receive vaccines is closely linked to their beliefs, as well as the information they receive about vaccine safety, efficacy, and importance. Therefore, effective communication is essential for addressing concerns and enhancing vaccine acceptance. It is vital to assess and monitor trust levels in vaccines and to implement targeted strategies to foster and rebuild that trust, particularly in times of uncertainty. Addressing these issues will be instrumental in bridging gaps in vaccine confidence and ensuring broader public health outcomes.

Keywords::Vaccine hesitancy, public health, immunization, trust, misinformation, COVID-19, historical context, communication strategies.

Citation:

Dr.Abdulhameed G. Albeshr, Recent Trends In Vaccines Confidence, A-Review. The American Journal of Public Health 2025.