### Efforts to Restore Vaccine Trust After the Pandemic
Roberto Debbag, Vice President of the Latin American Society of Vaccines, announced efforts to rebuild public trust in vaccines, which was significantly impacted by misinformation during the pandemic. Speaking at the 21st Latin American Seminar of Science and Health Journalism in Mexico City, Debbag highlighted the shift in public perception towards vaccines since the onset of COVID-19.
Debbag explained that vaccine perception can be divided into three critical phases:
1. **Pre-Pandemic (2019)**: Public perception of vaccination was largely positive, with widespread trust in vaccine efficacy.
2. **During the Pandemic**: Uncertainty and doubts about vaccine effectiveness surged not just for COVID-19 but for other diseases as well. Political polarization further exacerbated these doubts. However, confidence increased to some extent as vaccinated individuals showed resilience against the virus.
3. **Post-Pandemic**: Many began to rely more on natural immunity and exhibited pandemic fatigue. This led to a diminished perception of risk, affecting trust in vaccines for various diseases.
Debbag emphasized that misinformation on social media and anti-vaccine social leaders contributed significantly to the erosion of vaccine trust. He urged the public, civil associations, and medical personnel to advocate for verified information about vaccines, warning that global infection rates could spike, rendering societies vulnerable again.
He highlighted the rapid increase in infections of the new variant K.P.3.1 in the United States, with reported cases reaching 200,000 daily, despite updated vaccines being available. In contrast, Latin America continues to have low vaccination rates and lacks sufficient vaccine supplies.
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#### Vaccination Efforts Continue Amid New COVID-19 Surge
As vaccine trust is being rebuilt, various regions are grappling with new COVID-19 surges, highlighting the ongoing need for public health measures:
1. **Vaccine Shortages in Baja California**:
Baja California has recently faced shortages of COVID-19 vaccines, leaving many unprotected as new variants emerge. Health authorities have been working to secure more supplies to avoid potential outbreaks.
2. **Mexico City’s Response to Rising Cases**:
Mexico City has ramped up vaccination campaigns in light of increasing COVID-19 cases, focusing on boosting public confidence through educational initiatives about the benefits and safety of vaccines.
3. **Challenges in Vaccine Distribution in Latin America**:
Many countries in Latin America are experiencing challenges in vaccine distribution, exacerbated by logistical issues and misinformation. These countries are seeking international support to improve vaccination rates and overall public health.
Overall, rebuilding trust in vaccines is seen as crucial for combating not only COVID-19 but other preventable diseases. Public health officials continue to emphasize the importance of verified information and community cooperation in these efforts.