Encephalitis International publishes article on vaccine hesitancy
Encephalitis International is proud to announce the publication of an article on vaccine hesitancy in the prestigious journal Practice Nurse.
Introduction
The work, co-authored by Encephalitis International’s CEO Dr Ava Easton and its Senior Medical Writer Prav Prathapan, traces the history of vaccine hesitancy from its origins in 19th century anti-vaccination movements to today’s digitalised world in which misinformation spreads at unprecedented speed.
Before and after COVID-19
The work examines the devastating real-world consequences of vaccine hesitancy, including the Andrew Wakefield controversy at the turn of the 21st century as well as the tragic 2019 Samoa measles outbreak that claimed 83 lives, mainly children.
Also discussed in the work is the paradox of the COVID-19 pandemic: while vaccines saved over 14 million lives worldwide in 2021, its rapid development and novel technology also intensified vaccine hesitancy globally.
Addressing a growing concern
This timely piece comes as declining vaccination rates have contributed to the recent doubling of measles cases across Europe.
As healthcare systems worldwide continue to grapple with declining vaccination rates, Encephalitis International hopes this evidence-based resource can offer a guide for healthcare professionals and the global community to navigate the concerning rise in vaccine hesitancy.
To read the full article, click here.
First published in Practice Nurse 2025: 55(3):18-21.