Countering vaccine hesitancy through immunization information systems, a narrative review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Control
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Vaccine hesitancy (VH) poses a significant challenge to public health, impacting infectious disease prevention.
• Multiple factors contribute to the complex decision-making process behind vaccine refusal.
• Information technology presents potential solutions for enhancing vaccination programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the functionalities of Immunization Information Systems (IISs) as a strategy to counter vaccine hesitancy.
• To explore how IIS features can improve vaccination program performance and increase vaccine uptake.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of IIS functionalities relevant to addressing vaccine hesitancy.
• Analysis of specific IIS features including automatic reminder/recall systems.
• Evaluation of system interoperability, decision support capabilities, web interfaces, and adverse event recording.

Main Results:

• IISs offer features like automatic reminders, interoperability, decision support, and adverse event tracking.
• These systems have the potential to increase vaccine confidence and trust in healthcare providers and policymakers.
• Current research lacks sufficient trials evaluating the efficacy of IIS in countering VH.

Conclusions:

• Immunization Information Systems (IISs) are valuable tools for increasing vaccine confidence and addressing vaccine hesitancy.
• Further research is needed to rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of IIS interventions in combating VH.