The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in late 2019, has been one of the most significant global health crises in recent memory[1]. COVID-19 persistently extended its global reach, giving rise to mutations and distinct clades and reinfection[2, 3], while impacting various organs in the human body[4, 5]. While vaccines have proven to be effective tools in controlling the spread of the virus and preventing severe illness and death, a concerning trend emerged[6, 7]. Consequently, reports indicated vaccine hesitancy within specific demographic groups. Even in the face of the virus's severity, some individuals and communities exhibited reluctance or resistance toward vaccination. The most commonly cited criteria and factors in this context include[8]. Hence, one of the major factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic has been the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Social media platforms and other online spaces became breeding grounds for false claims about vaccine safety, efficacy, and side effects. These false narratives sowed doubt in the minds of many, making them skeptical about the vaccines[9, 10]. Public health officials and healthcare providers faced the daunting task of countering these falsehoods with accurate information. Effective communication campaigns aimed at debunking myths and providing transparent information about the vaccines have been crucial in addressing this issue[10].
Additionally, The COVID-19 pandemic also became entangled with political polarization in many countries. In some cases, vaccine hesitancy became associated with political beliefs, with individuals from certain political affiliations expressing reluctance to get vaccinated. This politicization of public health measures added complexity to the challenge of achieving widespread vaccination[11]. To address political polarization and vaccine hesitancy, it is essential to emphasize the non-partisan nature of public health and present vaccination as a tool to protect everyone, regardless of their political beliefs[12]. Moreover, some communities, particularly minority populations, have a historical mistrust of healthcare systems due to past injustices, such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study in the United States. This mistrust has contributed to vaccine hesitancy among these groups, as they fear that they may be subjected to unethical experimentation or discrimination[13, 14].
To overcome historical vaccine mistrust, public health authorities must acknowledge past wrongs, build trust within these communities, and involve community leaders and organizations in vaccination efforts[15]. On the other hand, inequities in access to vaccines have also played a significant role in vaccine hesitancy. Some individuals, particularly those in underserved communities, may have limited access to vaccination sites or face barriers such as transportation, work commitments, or language barriers. These barriers can discourage people from getting vaccinated, even if they want to[16, 17]. To improve vaccine uptake, it is crucial to address access barriers by providing convenient vaccination locations, flexible hours, and transportation assistance, especially in underserved areas[18].
Worthwhile, concerns about potential side effects have been a common reason for vaccine hesitancy. While all vaccines come with potential side effects, the risk of severe adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines is exceedingly low. However, media coverage of rare cases of adverse events, such as blood clotting, has contributed to public concerns[17, 19].
Efforts to combat this hesitancy include transparent reporting of vaccine safety data, clear communication about the risks and benefits, and reassurance that the benefits of vaccination in preventing COVID-19 far outweigh the risks[20]. Vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a complex issue influenced by various factors, including misinformation, political polarization, historical mistrust, access barriers, and fear of side effects. Addressing these concerns and promoting vaccination as a vital public health measure is crucial in the fight against the virus[13, 21, 22]. Public health officials, healthcare providers, and community leaders must work collaboratively to build trust, provide accurate information, and ensure equitable access to vaccines. By addressing the root causes of vaccine hesitancy, we can increase vaccine uptake and move closer to ending the pandemic and protecting the health of all individuals and communities[23].
In this article, we will explore some of the key reasons behind the vaccination hesitancy and discuss how public health efforts can address phenomenon.