Challenging anti-vaxxers

Vaccination is an important cost-effective public health measure for preventing the spread of infectious diseases, and there is much hope that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic will be controlled through an effective global vaccine. However, there is concern about the poor uptake (44.9%) of the seasonal influenza vaccination among those in clinical at-risk groups who are under 65 years of age and among those aged 65 years and over, with the uptake not yet reaching the 75% target (Public Health England (PHE), 2020). Although a minority view, the ‘anti-vaccination’ movement is attracting prominence through the internet and social media (Kata, 2012) and with its association with wider anti-COVID-19 activities. Some are concerned that this movement may undermine efforts to end the ongoing pandemic (Ball, 2020).

Wolfe and Sharp (2002) argued that today's anti-vaccinationists are very similar to those of the late 19th century, who challenged the loss of civil liberties with compulsory smallpox vaccination enshrined in the Vaccination Acts of 1840, 1853 and 1867. The 1898 Vaccination Act removed the cumulative penalties and introduced ‘conscientious objector’ into UK law to gain exemption. While the arguments remain very similar, the methods of disseminating (mis)information reflect the different eras and espouse deeply held beliefs that are critical of science and authority.