In a recent survey, it was revealed that richer countries have less faith in vaccines as compared to countries with the rampant cases of poverty.
Jeremy Farrar, the director of the Wellcome Trust, stated that vaccines are one of the most important and powerful public health tools. However, there is a need for more effective vaccines so that more people would have the confidence to use them.
The experts pointed out that measles was once eradicated in many places. Since then, measles has been making a Global comeback. Some places affected include the United States. This is partly because of the backlash against immunization among some groups. Noticeably, vaccine opponents operate easier because of misinformation via social media, poor health infrastructure, and lack of proper awareness.
According to the survey, among the countries with the strongest confidence in vaccines, Bangladesh and Rwanda top the list. In reports, It has been reported that most people in both countries agree that vaccines are safe, important for children, and effective.
The researchers have noticed that in high-income regions, a huge chunk of the population does not believe that vaccines are safe. Data shows that only 72% of people in North America agree that vaccines are safe. The numbers are worse in Europe with a rating of 59% in Western Europe and 40% in Eastern Europe.
According to the report, some of these regions that exhibit greater scientific knowledge or higher levels of education have less confidence in vaccines. Basing on this data, scientists conclude that putting out more scientific information or trying to spread awareness will not be enough to change the minds of the people regarding the matter.
According to the report, France has the lowest levels of trust in vaccines. Around 1/3 of its inhabitants does not agree that vaccines are safe. Those that do not agree that vaccines are important for children to have reached one-tenth of its inhabitants.
The report has also highlighted the fact that there is a rise in the vaccine hesitancy in France over the past few years. In fact, this count includes some members of the medical community.
In data gathered, it was revealed that there has been a rise in the number of measles cases and meningococcal disease cases.
The data has proven that more research is coming into the role played by misinformation campaigns and social media that lead to generating skepticism around vaccination.
