The World Health Organization included vaccine hesitancy on the list of threats to global health in 2019. Vaccine hesitancy is a complex matter, with reasons for not vaccinating ranging from accessibility to personal belief. While the reasons may vary, the global effect of not vaccinating has created significant issues.

The impact of a universal vaccine purchase program in North Carolina was examined based on change in immunization rates. It was concluded that a universal vaccine program was associated with improved immunization rates, specifically for children with little to no insurance.

The total cost for vaccinations includes more than just the vaccine itself. In fact, the cost of the vaccine is only a small portion of the total cost. There are vaccine product-related expenses and administration-related expenses.

The fear of a link between vaccines and autism has created a major public health issue. An evidence-based meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies found that the components in vaccines (both thimerosal and mercury) or obtaining multiple vaccines at once (i.e MMR vaccine) is not associated with the development of autism spectrum disorder.

Rebellion against vaccines isn’t new, it has been around since the 19th century after Edward Jenner created a vaccine for the smallpox virus. Anti-vaxxers during this time believed that mandatory vaccine laws impinged on certain amendment rights, such as freedom of speech.