What do we know about how to improve vaccine uptake?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Immunization Science
• Health Behavior

Background:

• Vaccine uptake in Canada has evolved over 100 years, with initial focus on access barriers.
• Recent research highlights vaccine hesitancy, influenced by complacency, convenience, and confidence.
• Drivers of hesitancy include complex immunization schedules and increased health consumerism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the shift in vaccine research focus from access barriers to vaccine hesitancy.
• To identify key factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy in the current century.
• To underscore the importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy for future immunization success.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of vaccine uptake research trends over the past century.
• Analysis of factors influencing public demand and acceptance of vaccines.
• Identification of current drivers of vaccine hesitancy.

Main Results:

• Research focus shifted from access barriers in the 1990s to vaccine hesitancy in the 21st century.
• Complacency, convenience, and confidence are significant factors in vaccine hesitancy.
• Societal concerns regarding risk-benefit and health consumerism contribute to hesitancy.

Conclusions:

• Addressing vaccine hesitancy is critical to prevent undermining immunization program success.
• Practitioner and program-based resources are available to manage vaccine hesitancy.
• Further research is needed to fully understand and combat vaccine hesitancy.