Childhood Vaccination Hesitancy: Causes, Consequences, and Strategies for Pediatricians

Abstract

Vaccination is one of the most effective public health interventions, preventing millions of deaths annually and significantly reducing childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the proven safety and effectiveness of vaccines, vaccine hesitancy has emerged as a major global public health challenge. Childhood vaccine hesitancy is influenced by multiple factors, including concerns regarding vaccine safety, misinformation, lack of trust in healthcare systems, cultural and religious beliefs, and socioeconomic determinants. The consequences of vaccine hesitancy include reduced vaccination coverage, outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, increased healthcare costs, and reduced herd immunity. Pediatricians play a critical role in addressing parental concerns, promoting vaccine confidence, and improving childhood immunization uptake. This narrative review examines the causes and consequences of childhood vaccination hesitancy and discusses evidence-based strategies that pediatricians can implement to improve vaccine acceptance and protect children’s health. Keywords: Vaccine hesitancy; Childhood immunization; Pediatricians; Vaccine confidence; Public health; Primary healthcare.