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Behavioural evidence on COVID-19 vaccine uptake
D A Robertson1, S Timmons1, P D Lunn2
1Behavioural Research Unit, Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin, Ireland; School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
Public Health
|December 17, 2023
Summary
Seasonal COVID-19 vaccination campaigns can increase uptake by focusing on personal benefits and convenient administration. Behavioral science offers evidence-based strategies for policymakers to enhance vaccine acceptance and public health.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Public health policy
- Vaccination strategies
Background:
- COVID-19, though no longer a global emergency, requires ongoing public health management.
- Seasonal vaccinations, coinciding with influenza shots, are anticipated.
- Past vaccine rollout decisions relied on assumptions; current evidence can inform future strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize behavioral science evidence on increasing COVID-19 and influenza vaccine uptake.
- To provide actionable recommendations for policymakers designing vaccination campaigns.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of literature from PubMed and Cochrane reviews.
- Inclusion of reviews on interventions and empirical studies for COVID-19 and influenza vaccine uptake.
Main Results:
- Communications emphasizing personal benefits, like vaccine efficacy, are more effective than those stressing collective benefits.
- Strategies to increase uptake include free vaccines, personalized messaging, reminders, and pre-booked appointments.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral science provides evidence-based methods to structure vaccination campaigns for higher uptake.
- These findings can guide policymakers in planning seasonal vaccination efforts and inform future research.
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