The Influence of Social Media and Distrust Surpassed Religion in the List of Reasons for Vaccine Refusal

In the country's maternity hospitals, over 90% of newborns receive vaccinations against hepatitis B. However, many parents refuse subsequent scheduled vaccinations that are administered at 2, 3, 5, and 6 months of age. This was reported by Gulbara Ishenapysova, director of the Republican Center for Immunoprophylaxis, at a meeting of the parliamentary committee on health, labor, women's issues, and social affairs.

According to her, the country records up to 20,000 refusals of vaccinations annually.

“Previously, the main reasons for refusals were religious beliefs, but thanks to joint efforts with the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan (DUMK), we have managed to reduce the number of refusals for this reason from 78% to 43%,” she added.

The Ministry of Health is actively engaging with representatives of religious organizations.

“Believers are demanding the issuance of separate fatwas (religious decrees) for each vaccine. We are working on this issue together with the muftiate,” the head of the center noted.

At the same time, the number of parents who doubt the safety of vaccines has increased from 20% to 40%. Ishenapysova cites misinformation and the negative influence of social media as the main reasons for this increase.

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