While the World Health Organization (WHO) has just revealed that measles cases jumped 300% worldwide in the first quarter of 2019 compared to the first quarter of 2018, a recent Opinion Way survey for SMEREP (health prevention student) reveals that 4 out of 10 students in France feel “suspicious” of vaccination.
In detail, 48% of the students questioned (53% men, 43% women) think that “vaccines are used above all to generate significant benefits for the pharmaceutical industry”, 50% consider that “certain diseases are due vaccines ”and 38%“ are not sure about the effectiveness and the need for vaccines ”.
Concerning more specifically cancer of the cervix (which is responsible for around 1000 deaths each year in France), 57% of students have not been vaccinated; 26% of them say they “don’t trust” this vaccine.
Students are (still) vaccinated
“It is worrying to see the resurgence of diseases which had been eradicated thanks to progress and scientific research due to growing mistrust of vaccination,” said Hadrien Le Roux, President of SMEREP. Disinformation on these subjects thrives on social networks, so it seems essential to us to inform young people about the principles and issues of vaccination through preventive actions and to support public policies in this area. “
The picture is not completely black, however, since, according to this OpinionWay survey, 77% of students are vaccinated and up to date in their vaccines. Better: 98% of 16-20 year olds think it is important to be vaccinated to protect their health; 80% of college students even believe that it is necessary to be vaccinated to “protect others”. Phew!
Source: SMEREP press release.
Read also :
Compulsory vaccines: an effective measure
Facebook and Instagram want to join the fight against anti-vaccines
No more vaccination content on Pinterest
