Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy: Why Facts, Not Fear, Protect Lives

While the science of vaccination is not new, neither is the hesitancy regarding it, which often stems from misinformation, distrust, and fear. Ever since the development of the first vaccination in 1798

against smallpox, the journey of vaccination has continually evolved with a singular purpose: to protect more lives! Vaccination has averted millions of deaths, including those of children under five years of age, of whom many were infants younger than a year. India has been at the forefront of these global immunisation efforts with the largest immunisation program in the world, known as the Universal Immunisation Programme. With a commitment to protect every child and pregnant woman against various infections, India continues to play a pivotal role in immunisation and disease prevention on the global stage. Yet, despite these continued efforts and extraordinary success, hesitancy against vaccinations continues to threaten public health progress. “This hesitancy is shaped by a complex mix of social, political, and cultural influences. In today’s social media era, where unverified claims can spread in minutes, misinformation has become even more pervasive,” Dr Praveen Gokhale, Pediatrician, MBBS, DCH, MD, Director, Critical Care, told Times Now.

Vaccine hesitancy among top ten global health threats, says WHO

According to the World Health Organization, vaccination hesitancy is one of the top ten global health threats. Misleading ideas such as “too many vaccinations overwhelm the immune system” or “vaccination in pregnancy causes miscarriage” often circulate unchecked. “These claims, without scientific basis, can deeply influence decisions, especially among people who are already uncertain about vaccination, including pregnant women,” said Dr Gokhale. Dr Gokhale says vaccination hesitancy among pregnant women stems from various concerns like fear of adverse effects, lack of confidence in safety data, and the mistaken belief that the risk of infection is low. However, pregnancy is a time when such hesitation may have profound consequences. Pregnant women are vulnerable to various vaccine-preventable diseases, which may lead to complications such as preterm birth, miscarriage, or congenital defects. Vaccination during pregnancy not only protects the expectant mothers from these complications but also provides protection to the developing fetus. “This is particularly vital for diseases like pertussis (whooping cough), which can be life-threatening for newborns. Most infants under 2 months of age with pertussis require hospitalisation, and the majority of pertussis deaths occur at this age. These are largely preventable through vaccination during pregnancy,” said Dr Gokhale.

India has achieved a lot of health milestones with vaccinations

Vaccination at any stage of life is an effective way of disease prevention and can help eradicate a disease. India’s own health history demonstrates the power of vaccinations. From the successful elimination of smallpox in 1977 to polio in 2014, and maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015, vaccinations have changed the trajectory of our nation’s health. These achievements underscore one big truth: when vaccination coverage is strong, communities can thrive. The same commitment to awareness, accessibility, and trust must now extend to other vaccine-preventable diseases.

How to overcome vaccine hesitancy?

According to Dr Giokhale, addressing vaccination hesitancy is not just important but also needs to have an all-inclusive approach. “We must focus on clear communication, supportive counselling, and visibility of positive outcomes. Healthcare providers play a central role in this effort, as they build confidence by addressing doubts empathetically and tailoring discussions to the needs of each individual,” he said. For years, vaccinations have quietly saved lives, strengthened communities, and shaped healthier futures. “We cannot let doubt and hesitancy unravel what science and collective effort have achieved so far. Rather than believing anything we hear, we should ask questions and seek answers from credible medical sources or healthcare professionals. Scientific evidence always outweighs a viral post,” he added. Place your trust where it should belong, decades of data and evidence tell us one lasting truth, and that is vaccinations save lives, protect futures, and strengthen nations.