Public Trust in Vaccines

Vaccines represent a significant scientific triumph and remain a powerful tool for preventive childhood health. As the communal health benefits of vaccination rely upon high rates of immunization coverage, lapses in coverage caused by lack of acceptance can have severe consequences for society. The erosion of public trust in vaccines reduces the effectiveness of vaccination programs and presents potentially severe public health consequences for communities worldwide.

Public attitudes toward immunization recommendations are complex, informed by a variety of sources, and anchored by ethics, customs, and values. In order to craft evidence-based communication strategies that will improve public understanding of vaccines, this Academy initiative examined what research is needed to better understand how public perceptions of childhood vaccines are formed. This work was undertaken by a multidisciplinary committee of experts drawn from medicine, behavioral science, communications, science history, and journalism.