Why Parents Refuse the Measles Vaccine for Their Children? An Analysis of Causes and Solutions

In the midst of advances in medical technology in 2026, the biggest challenge in global health is not the limitations of medicine, but vaccine hesitancy. This phenomenon has reduced basic immunisation coverage in several regions, triggering the resurgence of diseases that should have been eradicated.

Understanding the reasons behind this reluctance is crucial for healthcare professionals and the general public. Below are the main factors why many parents still hesitate to vaccinate their children:

Social media algorithms frequently create echo chambers. When parents feel anxious and search for information about vaccine risks, they are often exposed to misinformation or unverified negative testimonials. Emotional information tends to spread faster than rigid scientific data.

Physical reactions such as fever, swelling, or a child becoming irritable after immunisation often cause psychological trauma for parents. Although most adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) are mild and temporary, the perception that ‘the vaccine makes children ill’ often dominates over the understanding that vaccines prevent deadly diseases in the future.

In Indonesia, religious factors have a strong influence. Doubts about production processes that touch on elements considered impure often act as inhibitors. Although the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has issued many fatwas permitting vaccines in emergency conditions (mubah), some communities still choose to abstain.

Although claims linking the MMR vaccine with autism have been debunked by thousands of global studies and the original research has been retracted due to data manipulation, this myth persists. Parents’ fear of long-term developmental disorders often closes the door to discussion of immunisation benefits.

This will erode herd immunity. If immunisation coverage falls below 95%, vaccine-preventable diseases will find entry more easily and will target children who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons (such as those with leukemia).

The best approach is not confrontation but listening to their concerns. Providing transparent information about risks and benefits, and involving trusted community or religious leaders is often more effective than merely presenting medical journals.

Vaccine hesitancy is a problem of communication and trust, not merely a scientific issue. In 2026, a synergy between government, healthcare professionals, and digital platforms is essential to ensure accurate information reaches parents before misinformation dictates their decisions.