Tackling Misinformation To Boost Nigeria’s Immunization Rates

This week, countries around the world are observing World Immunisation Week to celebrate the power of vaccines. In line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2025 theme, “Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible,” the focus is on ensuring that no one is left behind due to barriers such as access, equity, or trust.

According to WHO, over the past 50 years, vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives globally and yet, despite this progress, many Nigerian children remain unprotected from preventable diseases, not due to a lack of availability but because of misinformation and fear.

The Misinformation Challenge
Across Nigeria, rumours and false beliefs about vaccines have led many parents to refuse vaccination for their children. Some say vaccines cause infertility; others believe they are part of a plot to harm the population. These myths are often fueled by distrust of the government, foreign aid, and the health system.

Many still remember the polio vaccine boycott in Northern Nigeria during the early 2000s, a powerful example of how misinformation can derail public health efforts. Fueled by unfounded rumours that the vaccine contained harmful substances, which entire communities refused immunisation. This decision led to a resurgence of polio, and it wasn’t until several years later that the country made significant progress in eradicating the disease. Even now, the legacy of distrust continues to affect immunisation rates.

Today, misinformation about vaccines spreads faster than ever, especially with the rise of social media. A single viral post or message can spread fears quickly, and for parents in rural communities with limited access to accurate information, these myths can be convincing.

Why Tackling Misinformation Matters
Vaccination is about more than just protecting individuals. It’s about safeguarding entire communities. When vaccination coverage is low, diseases spread more easily, putting even those vaccinated at risk. For example, According to a UNICEF report in 2024, Nigeria has the highest number of zero-dose children in the world, with over 2.3 million children who have never received a single vaccine dose. Despite efforts to improve immunisation coverage, only 62% of children receive the full routine vaccines they need. And just 36% of children aged 12-23 months are fully immunised.

The Way Forward: Building Trust, Not Just Vaccines
So, how do we overcome the challenge of misinformation? The answer lies in trust. People need to believe that vaccines are safe to use and necessary. But they also need to feel that the system cares about them.

In many Nigerian communities, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and local influencers hold significant sway. These individuals must be involved in spreading accurate information about vaccines. If they trust the message, their followers will too.

While statistics about vaccination rates and disease outbreaks are important, people connect more deeply with stories. Health workers, mothers, and community leaders can share their vaccination experiences to humanise the issue. Stories of how vaccines saved lives or helped children avoid painful diseases often resonate more than numbers.

Doctors, nurses, and community health workers are often the first, and sometimes the only, point of contact for families within the health system. By equipping them not only with vaccines but also with the skills to listen, answer questions, and address fears, we can build stronger relationships and improve vaccine acceptance.

Radio remains a powerful tool, especially in rural areas. But we also can’t ignore the impact of social media. While it has played a role in spreading misinformation, it can also be used to spread truth. Platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok can reach young parents with short, engaging, and culturally relevant content. Short videos, voice notes in local languages, and community-focused messages can go a long way in replacing fear with facts.

Communication about vaccines should not be one-sided. People have questions. They deserve answers. Creating both online and offline platforms where people can ask questions and receive respectful, science-backed responses will help dispel doubt and show that their concerns matter.
Moving Towards Immunisation for All
This year’s theme, “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible,” is a call to action for all of us: government, health workers, communities, and individuals. We must ensure that every child is protected, not just by vaccines but also by a system that listens, educates, and earns trust.

Nigeria has made remarkable progress, but much work remains to be done. We have seen how quickly misinformation can undermine efforts, but we have also seen how communities can come together to address it.
As we celebrate World Immunisation Week, let us remember that the fight against misinformation is just as important as the fight against diseases.

Adesola Oyawoye is an Abuja-based communications and media specialist with over ten years of field experience. She is passionate about health communication and runs HealthComAfrica, a platform dedicated to exploring solutions for improving health outcomes across the continent.