Bayo Akomolafe defines vaccine hesitancy as an expression of social processes, which refers to the reluctance of individuals to accept immunization, despite its medical benefits and the available scientific evidence on its effectiveness. Vaccine hesitancy is rooted in a complex array of cultural, political, and economic factors, such as mistrust of authority, inadequate access to healthcare, and disinformation. Consequently, it has become an important factor in determining the rate at which people get vaccinated against certain diseases, creating impactful consequences for public health.

See also: climate justice, racial justice, claim sanctuary