Analysis of Vaccine Reluctance in the Childhood Population. Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Vaccination has managed to prevent 3 to 5 million deaths per year. Its use and benefits have been questioned, causing vaccine reluctance, which is a constant health problem as coverage decreases in the child population. Objective: To determine the factors that generate vaccine reluctance in children under 5 years of age. Methodology: we searched for eligible studies with the search strategy “vaccine” AND “child” AND “reluctance” OR “rejection”. A total of 228 studies were obtained, 22 of which were included in the review, and their methodological quality was assessed. Results: The findings analyzed describe as determinants of vaccine reluctance the impact of lack of knowledge on decision making, the impact of information sources in a digitalized era, the fear of adverse effects that have been present through personal or external experience with an immunobiologic, and finally, the constant distrust of the health system. Health education turns out to be a useful tool to reduce vaccine reluctance, applying strategic communication. Conclusions: Reluctance is generated by lack of knowledge about immunization, the way in which information is obtained, fear of adverse reactions that have caused distrust in the health system. This has caused the regular immunization schedules in children under 5 years of age to be exacerbated in all regions. Communication and education is paramount; future lines of research could develop studies that generate adequate health literacy.