Cause 2: Unvaccinated Populations
The decline in vaccination rates is one of the chief contributors to the resurgence of measles. Across the globe, there are communities and individuals who have chosen not to vaccinate their children. These decisions often stem from a variety of factors, each nuanced in its own right.
Religious beliefs and personal preferences sometimes dictate healthcare decisions, even if they go against widely accepted medical advice. Some communities, for instance, believe that relying on natural immunity—getting infected and then recovering—is better than getting vaccinated. While this approach might confer immunity, it comes at the risk of severe complications, and in some cases, fatalities.
Then there’s the matter of access. In some regions, vaccines aren’t readily available or are too costly for the average person. The lack of proper healthcare infrastructure, compounded by socioeconomic challenges, further exacerbates the issue.
Misconceptions and fear also play a role. There’s a segment of the population that harbors genuine concerns about vaccine safety, often fueled by misinformation or misunderstanding of scientific data. (2)
