Vaccine hesitancy and implications on childhood immunisation in Malaysia

Abd. Manaf, Noor Hazilah and Omar, Mohd Azahadi and Suib, Fatin Husna (2021) Vaccine hesitancy and implications on childhood immunisation in Malaysia. International Journal of Health Governance, 27 (1). pp. 76-86. ISSN 2059-4631 E-ISSN 2059-464X

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Abstract

Purpose The World Health Organization identified vaccine hesitancy as one of the ten threats to global health in 2019. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the implications and factors affecting parental decision on childhood immunisation in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach This paper reviews literature on vaccine hesitancy and evaluation of factors affecting parental decision on childhood immunisation in Malaysia. Findings Vaccine hesitancy is a growing public health concern in Malaysia with factors such as influence of Internet and social media, personal choice and individual right, conspiracy theory, religious reasons and alternative medicine as among the influencing dynamics. An urban, educated demography operating within a postmodern medical paradigm compounds the diminishing value of vaccines. Originality/value This paper provides a comprehensive examination of vaccine hesitancy in Malaysia. Critical appraisal on personal choice over societal responsibility within an Asian/Muslim collectivist society has not been discussed in previous studies. The acceptance of homeopathy as an Islamic medicine alternative is peculiar to multi-ethnic, multi-cultural Malaysia.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Vaccine Hesistancy, Public Health, Antivaccine, Childhood Immunisation, Malaysia
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences > Department of Business Administration
Depositing User:	Dr Fatin Husna Suib
Date Deposited:	18 Oct 2022 14:38
Last Modified:	19 Oct 2022 14:10
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/100713

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