13 February 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Growing anti-vaccine sentiment is emerging as a serious threat to global pandemic preparedness, a senior health official has warned, cautioning that declining public trust in vaccines could weaken the world’s ability to respond effectively to future health emergencies.
The warning comes as health authorities across several countries observe increasing vaccine hesitancy, fueled by misinformation, distrust in institutions, and lingering skepticism following the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the official, while scientific capacity to develop vaccines has improved significantly, public resistance could undermine these advances when they are needed most.
“Vaccines remain one of the most powerful tools in preventing widespread disease,” the health official said, stressing that preparedness is not only about laboratories, hospitals, and supply chains, but also about public cooperation. “If people are unwilling to accept vaccines during a crisis, even the best-prepared health systems will struggle.”
Public health experts note that vaccines play a critical role during pandemics by reducing transmission, preventing severe illness, and easing pressure on healthcare systems. However, rising skepticism has led to declining vaccination rates in some regions, raising concerns about the resurgence of preventable diseases and reduced readiness for new outbreaks.
Anti-vaccine sentiment has grown more visible in recent years, often amplified by social media platforms where false or misleading information can spread rapidly. Claims questioning vaccine safety, effectiveness, or necessity have gained traction among certain groups, despite extensive scientific evidence supporting immunisation.
Health officials argue that this erosion of trust could have dangerous consequences during a future pandemic. Rapid vaccine uptake is essential to controlling outbreaks in their early stages. Delays caused by public resistance could allow pathogens to spread more widely, increasing illness, deaths, and economic disruption.
The official highlighted that pandemic preparedness is built on lessons learned from previous crises. During COVID-19, vaccines were developed in record time, saving millions of lives. Yet uneven acceptance limited their impact in some communities. “Scientific breakthroughs alone are not enough,” the official said. “Public confidence is just as important.”
Experts also warned that vaccine hesitancy does not exist in isolation. It often intersects with broader distrust in government, healthcare institutions, and scientific authorities. Addressing the problem therefore requires more than simply providing data—it demands transparent communication, community engagement, and addressing genuine concerns respectfully.
Healthcare workers are increasingly being trained to engage with hesitant individuals through dialogue rather than confrontation. Officials emphasize the importance of listening to fears, explaining benefits clearly, and acknowledging uncertainties honestly. “People are more likely to trust when they feel heard,” the official noted.
Another concern is the impact of anti-vaccine sentiment on routine immunisation programmes. Declining uptake of childhood vaccines has already led to outbreaks of diseases such as measles in some regions. These setbacks strain health systems and divert resources that could otherwise strengthen pandemic preparedness.
The health official also warned that misinformation during a pandemic can spread as quickly as a virus. False narratives can undermine public health measures, from vaccination to masking and testing. Combating this “infodemic,” experts say, must be a core part of preparedness planning.
Governments and international health bodies are now focusing on building long-term trust rather than reacting only during emergencies. Strategies include investing in health education, partnering with community leaders, and ensuring consistent, science-based messaging well before the next crisis hits.
The official stressed that preparedness is a shared responsibility. While governments must ensure vaccine safety, accessibility, and transparency, individuals also play a role in protecting themselves and their communities. “Pandemics are collective events,” the official said. “Our response must be collective too.”
As global travel and urbanization increase the risk of rapid disease spread, experts warn that the next pandemic is not a question of if, but when. In that context, weakening confidence in vaccines could prove to be one of the biggest obstacles to an effective response.
The warning serves as a reminder that lessons from recent health crises must not be forgotten. Strengthening trust in vaccines, officials say, is essential not only for everyday public health but also for ensuring the world is ready when the next pandemic emerges.
Summary
A senior health official has warned that rising anti-vaccine sentiment could undermine global pandemic preparedness, stressing that public trust in vaccines is vital for effective response to future health emergencies.