During a scientific conference held at the Nigerian Medical Association’s 2024 Annual General Meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, medical professionals cautioned parents and guardians about the dangers of refusing to vaccinate their children. The event, themed “Vaccines: The Facts and The Myths,” highlighted the harmful influence of social media in spreading misinformation that discourages vaccination.
Dr. Adeola Fowotade, a Clinical Virologist and Reader at the University of Ibadan’s Department of Microbiology, expressed concern over the alarming spread of false information regarding vaccines. She emphasized the critical role vaccines play in preventing infectious diseases, which are prevalent in Nigeria. Fowotade noted that vaccine apathy is on the rise, not only among adults who are hesitant to vaccinate their children but also in their own reluctance to get vaccinated.
Dr. Magbagbeola Dairo, the Dean Elect of the Faculty of Public Health at the University of Ibadan, addressed the issue of vaccine hesitancy and reminded attendees that under the Child Right Law in Oyo State and the Child Right Act in Nigeria, parents and guardians who refuse to vaccinate children under two years old may face fines or imprisonment. He also advocated for a vaccination policy that would require proof of vaccination for access to certain government benefits, such as national immunization programs, driver’s licenses, and entry into higher education institutions.
NMA Acting State Chairman, Happy Adedapo, also warned against relying on incomplete information from social media to form opinions about vaccines, urging the public to seek accurate information from credible sources.
