Pasteur, Vaccines, and the Refusal to Become Fully Vaccinated in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors

Charles S. Pavia, Department of Biomedical Sciences, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, NY, United States.

Author Type(s)

Faculty

Journal Title

Frontiers in Public Health

First Page

815816

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2022

Department

Medicine

Abstract

Vaccines are one of the most effective public health measures that are designed to prevent serious illness caused by a wide variety of infectious agents, which have become especially important in light of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite the favorable outcomes associated with vaccine development and use, a new wave of hesitancy to get vaccinated has emerged that threatens the control or quick elimination of the highly contagious and life-threatening infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. At the forefront of the current anti-vaccine movement is the dissemination of false and misleading information. This essay explores the primary reasons, which also includes an historical connection, behind this anti-vaccine sentiment, and proposes several possible and realistic interventions that could be implemented to counter this notion and significantly improve vaccine acceptance, especially among young people.

Recommended Citation

Pavia, C. S. (2022). Pasteur, Vaccines, and the Refusal to Become Fully Vaccinated in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, 815816. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.815816