Anti-vaxxers are people who believe that vaccines are unsafe and infringe on their human rights. They typically deny the existence or validity of the science supporting their use in the general population. The popularity of these opinions is hard to measure. However, only a small number of people in the United States are likely to express these views. Anti-vaxxer movements can influence people’s decision to vaccinate themselves or their children. The anti-vaxxer movement began in the 18th century in the U.S., with religious leaders describing them as the “devil’s work.” The campaign grew in the 19th and 20th centuries as a matter of human rights. Anti-vaxxers still represent a minority of people. However, there are many active communities on the internet and social media platforms. According to a recent report in The Lancet Digital Health, around 31 million people follow anti-vaccine groups on Facebook. It also estimates that social media outlets could be making about $1 billion from advertising every year. Facebook and other social media platforms regularly receive criticism for the extent of misinformation spreading within these communities. This risks not only their health and well-being, but also the health and well-being of others. For example, they could pass a disease to other children who are unable to receive vaccines due to allergies, age, or medical conditions (Credits: www.medicalnewstoday.com)
