Why vaccine hesitancy persists in rural communities, by expert
Parents in many rural communities across Nigeria continue to face significant barriers to accessing vaccines for their children, despite growing awareness about the importance of immunisation, a public health researcher,
Parents in many rural communities across Nigeria continue to face significant barriers to accessing vaccines for their children, despite growing awareness about the importance of immunisation, a public health researcher, Patrick Chimuanya Etus has said.
He said structural challenges such as long distances to health facilities, poor transportation and inconsistent vaccine supply remain major factors contributing to low vaccination coverage in remote areas.
Etus explained that although many parents are willing to immunise their children, access to healthcare facilities is often difficult.
“It is not always about belief or fear,” he said.
“Even families who understand the importance of vaccines sometimes cannot reach a clinic. In many rural areas, health facilities are understaffed, vaccines may not always be available, and the cost of transportation can discourage families from making the trip.”
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According to him, the logistical difficulties faced by rural residents continue to undermine immunisation campaigns and widen the gap between urban and rural vaccination coverage.
He added that fear of side effects also contributes to vaccine hesitancy among some parents.
Etus noted that limited health literacy in some communities allows misinformation to spread quickly through informal networks and social media.
“When people do not receive clear information from trusted health professionals, rumours easily take over,” he said. “Sometimes a single negative story about vaccines can create widespread fear within a community.”
Distrust of government institutions and the healthcare system has also been identified as a factor influencing vaccine acceptance in some areas.
Etus recalled the 2003–2004 boycott of the polio vaccine in parts of Northern Nigeria, which he said demonstrated how misinformation and lack of community engagement can disrupt public health interventions.
“Religious and political misinformation at the time disrupted the immunisation programme,” he said. “Because community leaders were not properly engaged, resistance grew and the disease resurfaced. The outbreak even spread beyond Nigeria to other countries.”
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Public health experts say engaging trusted community figures could play a critical role in improving vaccine acceptance.
Etus emphasised the influence of traditional and religious leaders in shaping community attitudes.
“These leaders are trusted voices within their communities,” he said. “When they support vaccination programmes, they help correct misinformation and communicate health messages in ways that people understand and accept.”
He also pointed out that differences in healthcare systems, data collection methods and cultural contexts across countries make it difficult to directly compare vaccination strategies or outcomes globally.
“Reporting standards and data systems vary widely from one country to another,” he said. “This makes it challenging to measure progress or apply the same solutions everywhere.”
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To address vaccine hesitancy and improve immunisation coverage, Etus called for a comprehensive approach that combines improved healthcare infrastructure with community engagement.
He recommended strengthening rural health facilities, ensuring a consistent supply of vaccines and expanding public education campaigns to counter misinformation.
Mobile vaccination units, he said, could also help reach remote communities where access to healthcare facilities remains limited.
“Ultimately, the structural and social barriers must be addressed together,” Etus said. “Only then can vaccination coverage improve in a sustainable way.”
Health experts warned that improving vaccine access in rural communities remains critical to protecting children and preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases across the country.
