[Distrust of vaccination: Why?]

Abstract

Vaccines have saved millions of lives and reduced the severity of many infections. A reduction in vaccination coverage is now reflected in the re-emergence of epidemics of mumps, pertussis, measles and chickenpox. Many people do not recognize the effectiveness of vaccination and fear the side effects. The main concern is the safety of vaccines. Lack of information weighs less than lack of trust in health authorities. The greater responsibility of the individual and the respect for his free will, may lead the authorities to a less vigourous promotion of the "vaccination duty" which is also a social duty. The attitude of individuals is guided by their health beliefs which are often supported by an erroneous perception of risk. In addition, insidious anti-vaccine lobbying plays on fears and uses biased reasoning that the media help to amplify. Thus the analysis of the brakes to vaccination both in the general population and among health professionals, the dismantling of the arguments developed by the anti-vaccine leagues and vigilance with regard to "fake news" should allow a concerted communication, transparent, clear and effective, in order to limit the occurrence of preventable deaths.

Keywords: Communication sur la santé; Effets indésirables; Health communication; Health planning; Infection control; Planification en santé; Prévention des infections; Side effects; Vaccin; Vaccines.