Trust in Vaccines Among the Argentine Population

Abstract

Introduction: Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective and successful public health interventions for preventing disease in the population. However, acceptance of vaccines can be influenced by various individual, social, and contextual factors. Objective: To analyze the level of trust in vaccines among the Argentine population. Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. A total of 322 Argentine residents participated by completing a specially designed questionnaire consisting of 17 questions. The survey was distributed via a link on social media. Results: Significant differences were found based on age, gender, educational level, and connection to the healthcare sector: women and older adults demonstrated a greater perception of collective protection; men reported a lower sense of protection after vaccination and were less willing to have their family members vaccinated; educational level and connection to the healthcare sector were associated with greater trust in official information about vaccination and a greater willingness to get vaccinated voluntarily; those who trusted information from authorities less were more likely to decline vaccination due to fear of side effects and more likely to believe that vaccines contain microchips. Conclusion: The results show a high level of trust in vaccines among the surveyed population, although differences in attitudes toward vaccines persist based on gender, educational level, and health-related training. Understanding these differences is necessary for potential public health interventions aimed at reducing vaccine hesitancy.