Aim: Vaccination is one of the most effective methods for protecting public health by preventing infectious diseases and reducing mortality rates. Despite extensive vaccination programs, vaccine hesitancy has become an increasingly significant issue in many societies, undermining herd immunity and threatening disease control efforts. This study aimed to investigate the presence of vaccine opposition and the associated factors among adults applying to a Family Medicine outpatient clinic.

Method: This analytical and cross-sectional study was carried out between March 1, 2024, and August 31, 2024, with volunteer participants aged 18 and older who attended to the Family Medicine Clinics at Aydın Adnan Menderes University School of Medicine. Data were obtained via a 23-item questionnaire covering sociodemographic features, medical and vaccination histories, internet and social media usage, as well as the 21-item Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS). Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS version 25.0 software package.

Results: The study was completed with 318 participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The participants had a mean age of 37.2±15.6 years (ranging from 18 to 82 years), and the average total score on the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale was 42.9±15.2. Vaccine hesitancy scores were significantly higher among individuals residing in rural areas, those with lower educational attainment, non-healthcare workers, parents, older participants, those receiving vaccine-related information from television, newspapers or magazines and those influenced by information obtained via social media (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The results highlight the necessity for targeted public health interventions, the reinforcement of scientific communication, and the strategic involvement of healthcare professionals in combating misinformation. Addressing these factors is crucial for enhancing public trust in vaccines and strengthening community immunity.