| Abstract [eng] |
This thesis explores the development of vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccination movements in Sweden from the debut of vaccination from 1801 until 2023, including the preceding years of inoculation in the 18th century. The importance of this research lies in the historical and contemporary relevance of vaccine refusal, focusing on the historical smallpox endemics and the recent global COVID-19 pandemic. Sweden provides a unique case due to its early public health policies and lately, strong traditions of individual freedom, which have shaped public responses to vaccination across time. The main aim of this research is to understand how fears and misconceptions about vaccines have evolved in Swedish society over the last two centuries. The specific objectives include: 1) tracing the historical roots and development of vaccine hesitancy; 2) identifying key psychological and social drivers of vaccine resistance; 3) evaluating both historical and modern government strategies in promoting vaccination; and 4) analyzing how Sweden has balanced public health needs with personal freedoms in its vaccination policies. The methodology used in this thesis includes a historical-analytical approach, examining both primary and secondary sources. Primary sources include archival materials such as doctors’ publishings, official reports and public health communications. Secondary sources involve scholarly articles, books and recent studies on vaccine hesitancy. The research also includes a comparative analysis of public health legislation and government campaigns from different periods to assess how strategies have changed or remained constant. The results show that vaccine hesitancy in Sweden has deep historical roots, often emerging during times of social change, public health crises or political instability. Early resistance in the 19th century was influenced by fear of new medical procedures and distrust in authorities as well as state-inaction and monopoly. In modern times, hesitancy is more often shaped by misinformation, perceived adverse effects and concerns about personal autonomy. Although, historical patterns of fears remained. Government responses have ranged from mandatory vaccination laws to public education campaigns, with varying degrees of success. The thesis concludes that vaccine hesitancy is not a new phenomenon but one that transforms with the social and cultural context. Swedish authorities have learned to adapt their strategies over time, moving from compulsion to persuasion and transparency. However, the delicate balance between protecting public health and respecting individual freedoms remains a central challenge. Understanding the historical and psychological dimensions of vaccine hesitancy is essential for designing more effective public health strategies in the future. |
