An overview of the etiology of vaccine hesitancy and refusal

Vaccination is among the most cost-effective interventions for protecting populations against infectious diseases. Individuals exhibiting vaccine hesitancy may eventually accept some or all vaccines, may delay them, or may reject specific ones. In contrast, vaccine refusal denotes the complete voluntary rejection of all vaccines in the current immunization program. Vaccine refusal represents a significant public health concern, threatening both individual and community health. Opposition to vaccines has existed since their inception and continues to grow, particularly with the influence of the internet and social media. Some of the reasons for vaccine refusal include concerns about the vaccine components, distrust in vaccines, religious beliefs, reservations about the pharmaceutical industry, and fear of adverse effects. This review aims to explore the etiology of vaccine refusal based on current literature.