Vaccine Promotion Research Articles

Communicating on Vaccine Benefit-Risk Ratios: A Discrete-Choice Experiment among Health Care Professionals and the General Population in France.

We explored preferences around the benefit-risk ratio (BRR) of vaccination among the general adult population and health care sector workers (HCSWs). We estimated preference weights and expected vaccine uptake for different BRR levels for a vaccine recommended during an infectious disease emergence. In addition, we explored how far qualitative information about disease severity, epidemiological context, and indirect protection interacts with these preferences. This was a cross-sectional study, using a self-administered online questionnaire containing a single-profile discrete choice experiment among HCSWs and the general population in France (quasi-representative sample). The questionnaire was available from January 12 to April 27, 2023, for HCSWs and from April 17 to May 3, 2023, for the general population. BRR is represented as the number of vaccine-prevented disease events for 1 event related to a vaccine side effect. Results are reported in 4 groups: general population sample, non-HCSWs, non-university-degree HCSWs, and university-degree HCSWs. Among the 1,869 participants, 1,038 (55.5%) varied their vaccine decision among the different vaccine scenarios. Hypothetical vaccine acceptance among university-degree HCSWs increased when the vaccination BRR was 100:1, while non-university-degree HCSWs and non-HCSWs were more sensitive to qualitative information about the vaccine BRR than quantitative indicators. Among participants in the general population sample with varied decisions, expected acceptance increased by 40% sample if disease risk was high. Among serial vaccine nondemanders, high disease risk decreased their certitude to refuse hypothetical vaccination. Our results suggest that only university-degree HCSWs are sensitive to the notion of BRR, but not the general public. Given that previous research found speaking about BRR might reduce vaccine acceptance, this notion should be avoided in vaccine promotion. The notion of benefit-risk ratio (BRR) of vaccination appears to be taken into account in vaccine decisions by university-degree HCSWs, but not by the general public. Mentioning a favorable BRR could imply that the vaccine is not safe and reduce vaccine motivation.Mentioning qualitative attributes of BRR surrounding disease frequency and severity, and indirect protection effects, strongly affected theoretical vaccine decisions in all participants, irrespective of professional categories.Expected vaccine acceptance increased by 40% among the general population sample if disease risk was presented as high, and expected vaccine coverage exceeded 50% in scenarios with high disease risk.Among those refusing vaccination in all vaccine scenarios, only a high risk of developing the disease decreased their certitude to refuse vaccination. This further underlines the importance of disease risk perception on vaccine decision making, including among persons who a priori are unlikely to accept vaccination.

Rethinking prosocial vaccination: Nuancing altruism, solidarity, and reciprocity appeals to encourage flu shot uptake

ABSTRACT Prosocial persuasion has emerged as a significant focus in health communication, particularly regarding the promotion of vaccination. Recent studies on COVID-19 vaccination suggest that emphasizing the well-being of social others encourages vaccination behaviors. However, few studies have considered the theoretical nuances among prosocial motives. Drawing upon literature on prosociality, we investigate how three nuanced prosocial appeals (altruism, solidarity, and reciprocity) exhibit different levels of persuasiveness in influenza vaccine uptake. We employ psychological reactance theory to explain the varying persuasiveness of these appeals. Results suggest that the three appeals did not outperform a conventional message emphasizing individual benefits. However, prosocial messages provoked differing levels of psychological reactance (threat to freedom), which were negatively associated with flu shot uptake intention. State empathy had a substantial direct effect on behavior adoption in prosocial persuasion, although mere prosocial requests did not increase empathy among readers. We discuss theoretical and practical implications.

Effect of School HPV Vaccination Requirements on Pediatricians’ Recommendations

Background/objectives: Pediatrician recommendations are highly influential in parents’ decisions to vaccinate their children against HPV. Unqualified, presumptive, and bundled recommendations (UPBRs) are associated with increased HPV vaccine uptake and are considered best practice. This study analyzes pediatricians’ self-reported data to assess changes in UPBR use and the psychosocial determinants of UPBR use as a result of the implementation of a multi-level intervention, the Adolescent Vaccination Program (AVP). Methods: We surveyed pediatricians across 51 clinics in the Houston area. Baseline surveys (n = 137) were distributed in 2015, and follow-ups (n = 120) in 2019. Results: Pediatrician UPBR use significantly increased as a result of AVP implementation. Change in the provider belief that it is necessary to tell parents that HPV vaccination is not required for public school attendance significantly predicted UPBR use at follow up. This belief was also a significant mediator of increased use of UPBRs at follow-up. Conclusions: AVP was successful in increasing pediatricians’ use of UPBRs. Change in UPBR use is related to one critical psychosocial determinant: beliefs about communication regarding the non-mandatory nature of HPV vaccination for school enrollment. HPV vaccine promotion efforts should devote focus to changing pediatricians’ beliefs about the necessity of disclosing the non-mandatory nature of HPV vaccination for school attendance.

Can social media promote vaccination? Strategies and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine popularization on Chinese Weibo.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown a high severity in terms of mortality, and to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a great deal of reliance has been placed on vaccines with defensive effects. In the context of the transmission of hazardous Omicron variant strains, vaccine popularization and acceptance are very important to ensure world health security. Social media can spread information and increase public confidence in and acceptance of vaccines. In this study, weibos related to "vaccine science popularization" during the COVID-19 pandemic in China were collected, and Weibo publishers were divided into Individuals, Organizations, Media, Government, and Scientists. The communication strategies were analyzed with content analysis from the four dimensions of Issue, Topic, Frame, and Position. SnowNLP was used to mine the audience comments and to assess their emotional tendencies. Finally, hierarchical regression was used to verify the causal relationship between vaccine science popularization strategies and audiences' emotions. We found that the higher the scientific authority of the weibo publisher, the more positive the emotional tendency of the audience toward the weibo. Issues that are scientific, authoritative, and positive topics that positively present the advantages of the COVID-19 vaccine, and frames with detailed narratives, scientific arguments, diversified forms of presentations, and positions in support of the COVID-19 vaccine, positively affect the effect of vaccine popularization. Based on the experience of COVID-19 vaccine promotion in China, the results may serve as a reference for promoting innovative vaccines and handling public health affairs around the world.

Vaccine effectiveness against mild and severe covid-19 in pregnant individuals and their infants in England: test negative case-control study

ObjectiveTo estimate real world vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic disease and hospital admission with the delta and omicron variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in pregnant individuals, and to estimate the protection...

Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Against Symptomatic Influenza in Primary Care: A Test Negative Case Control Study Over Two Influenza Seasons 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 in Ireland.

Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) is recommended in Ireland for all children aged 2-17 years. Quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) is recommended for all others eligible for vaccination, including those ≥ 18 years with underlying medical conditions and all aged ≥ 65 years. We aimed to estimate influenza vaccine effectiveness (IVE) against acute respiratory infection (ARI) presentations to primary care due to influenza over two influenza seasons in Ireland, to inform vaccination recommendations and communication campaigns. We undertook a test-negative case control study within the Irish sentinel general practice surveillance network as part of the Vaccine Effectiveness Burden and Impact Studies (VEBIS) network. We compared influenza vaccination status among influenza PCR positive cases with influenza PCR negative controls, both with ARI presentations, of all ages. We estimated IVE using logistic regression adjusting for age, onset time, medical conditions and sex. In 2022/2023, there were 288 cases and 765 controls. In 2023/2024, there were 567 cases and 1832 controls. In 2022/2023, overall IVE was 42% (95% CI 9 to 64) and 50% (95% CI -30 to 83) in 2- to 17-year-olds. Overall IVE in 2023/2024 was 35% (95% CI 15 to 51) and 68% (95% CI 30 to 87) in 2- to 17-year-olds. Influenza vaccination reduced the risk of influenza among ARI patients presenting to general practice, demonstrating the benefits of vaccination, particularly among children. Promotion of the seasonal influenza vaccine to recommended groups, should remain a public health priority. Targeted vaccination campaigns for children promoting LAIV should emphasise the effectiveness of LAIV in children.

Media Matters: How Information Release Shapes Monkeypox Vaccination Willingness

Background/Objectives: Despite the growing body of evidence addressing the reasons behind vaccine hesitancy, the positive role of media as a key environmental factor influencing vaccination, as well as its function in publicizing and encouraging vaccination, has been less thoroughly explored; Methods: This study focuses on the context of the current Monkeypox epidemic, examining the influence of media release channels and message framing on the public’s willingness to receive the Monkeypox vaccine. The findings are empirically validated through a survey experiment conducted in China; Results: The study reveals that both media channels—traditional TV media, official online media, and user-generated media—and media content framings, specifically thematic and episodic, significantly impact the public’s willingness to be vaccinated against Monkeypox. Notably, in the context of this public health event, individuals were more inclined to trust the episodic framing of traditional TV media and the thematic framing of official online media. Compared to thematic framing, episodic framing generally enhances respondents’ willingness to vaccinate. Furthermore, user-generated media exhibited a more negative effect on vaccination intentions during the Monkeypox epidemic, particularly when combined with episodic framing. Heterogeneity analysis indicated a significant difference in the effectiveness of official online media based on audience identity (student vs. non-student), with the student group showing a preference for official online media channels; Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of public health communication in carefully selecting media release types and message framings. Additionally, it is crucial to consider audience heterogeneity and to employ differentiated communication methods to enhance the effectiveness of vaccine promotion.

Beyond health: exploring women’s socio-cultural motivations for HPV vaccination

ABSTRACT Purpose Autonomous motivation is critical to motivating individuals to adopt healthy behaviours. While many studies have explored the medical factors that influence women’s autonomous motivation to receive HPV vaccination, sociocultural factors have received less attention. Therefore, this study analyses women’s autonomous motivation for HPV vaccination from a sociocultural perspective to gain insight into the generation of women’s health decisions. Methods This study conducted in-depth interviews with 19 women at their peak age of infection who had been vaccinated against HPV to examine the socio-cultural factors that drove them to receive HPV vaccination. It used NVivo12 to analyse qualitative data obtained from interviews. Results The results showed that (1) Demonstrating Personal Independence, (2) Asserting Reproductive Autonomy, (3) Acknowledging Sexual Needs, and (4) Showcasing Health Literacy, Economic Power, and Social Connections were autonomous motivations for women to receive HPV vaccination. Conclusions Based on these motivations, future vaccine promotion programmes should demonstrate the role of the HPV vaccine for women to become autonomous individuals, as well as clear up misconceptions between the HPV vaccine and sexual shame and reduce the monetary burden of the vaccine to build a friendly and egalitarian vaccination environment.

Using a computational cognitive model to simulate the effects of personal and social network experiences on seasonal influenza vaccination decisions.

Seasonal influenza poses significant societal costs, including illness, mortality, and reduced work productivity. Vaccination remains the most effective strategy for preventing the disease, yet vaccination rates in the United States fall below 50% for adults. Understanding the factors influencing vaccination decisions is crucial for designing interventions to improve uptake. This study investigates how personal experiences and the experiences of social contacts affect individual decisions to get vaccinated against influenza. A multi-year longitudinal survey study was conducted to examine the impact of personal and social network experiences on vaccination decisions. Participants' vaccination behaviors and experiences with influenza were tracked over time. To model these influences, we developed a memory-based vaccination decision model using the Adaptive Control of Thought - Rational (ACT-R) integrated cognitive architecture, which incorporates cognitive processes associated with memory and decision-making. The survey results demonstrated that both personal experiences with influenza and the experiences of close social contacts significantly influenced vaccination decisions. The memory-based model, built within the ACT-R framework, effectively captured these effects, providing a computational representation of how personal and social factors contribute to vaccination behaviors. The findings suggest that personal and social experiences play a critical role in shaping vaccination decisions, which can inform the development of targeted interventions to increase vaccination uptake. By incorporating cognitive processes into the model, we identified potential strategies to enhance vaccine promotion efforts, such as recalling past experiences with illness to motivate individuals to get vaccinated.

Maternal Recall of Obstetric Office-Based Activities That Promote Antepartum Tetanus-Diphtheria-Acellular-Pertussis Vaccination.

Objective: To explore associations between maternal characteristics and recall of obstetric provider actions in promoting antepartum tetanus-diphtheria-acellular-pertussis (Tdap) vaccination. Methods: A convenience sample of 1,682 postpartum women was surveyed in this cross-sectional study. Maternal characteristics and recall of four obstetric provider actions (recommending antepartum Tdap vaccine, offering it in clinic, providing written information, and referring patients elsewhere for vaccination) were collected. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to characterize the association between maternal characteristics and each provider action. Results: Among 1,604 surveys (95% of total collected), maternal recall of an obstetric provider recommending Tdap vaccination, offering it in clinic, providing written information, or referring patients elsewhere was 68%, 59%, 53%, and 15%, respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed specific maternal characteristics that increased odds of recalling at least one obstetric provider action promoting Tdap vaccination, including receipt of first trimester prenatal care (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-2.97), primiparity (aOR 1.35, 95% CI = 1.05-1.75), private health insurance (aOR 1.56, 95% CI = 1.16-2.04), higher household income (aOR ranging from 1.71 to 2.10 for ≥$150,000 for two actions), and non-White, non-Hispanic race/ethnicity (aOR ranging from 1.49 to 1.74 for Asian non-Hispanic for two actions and aOR 1.71 for Black non-Hispanic). Conclusion: Prenatal care, parity, insurance type, household income, and race/ethnicity are associated with recall of obstetric provider activities that impact antepartum Tdap vaccine promotion. Obstetric providers should recommend this potentially life-saving vaccine with each pregnancy, irrespective of differences in maternal characteristics, and policymakers should work to combat systemic factors that may cause disparities in uptake.

Clinical Staff Perceptions of Pay-for-Performance Financial Incentives for HPV Vaccine Promotion.

The purpose was to investigate clinical staff perceptions of pay-for-performance human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination financial incentives. In 2022, the authors conducted a national survey of clinical staff (N = 2527; response rate = 57%). Respondents were (1) certified to practice in the United States; (2) practiced as a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, advanced practice nurse, registered nurse, licensed practical/vocational nurse, medical assistant, or certified nursing assistant; (3) worked in pediatrics, family medicine, or general medicine specialties; and (4) had a role in HPV vaccination for children ages 9 through 12 years. The team used ordered regressions to model whether respondents agreed with (ie, "Strongly agreed" or "Agreed" on a 5-point Likert scale) each of the 9 statements. The statements were mapped to domains based on the theory of planned behavior: attitudes (5 statements), perceived behavioral control (2), and norms (2). Favorable responses to 9 statements ranged from 32% to 85%; 5/9 items had more than 50% favorable responses. The following example odds ratios (ORs) are for "agree" versus "neutral" or "disagree" to change their behavior to obtain the incentive. Clinical staff with prior experience with incentives were more likely to agree with 8/9 positive statements about incentives (eg, OR = 1.32 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.12-1.57]). Family medicine clinics were more likely than pediatric clinics to agree with 5/9 statements (eg, OR = 1.42 [95% CI: 1.18-1.70]). Clinical staff with more years of experience were less likely to agree with 6/9 statements (eg, OR = 0.97 [95% CI: 0.97-0.98]). Clinical staff's perceptions of pay-for-performance HPV vaccination financial incentives were generally favorable.

Active offer of influenza vaccination during hospitalization: a multicenter study in Sicily (Italy)

Abstract Background Every cold season, the Italian health institutions strongly recommend influenza vaccination for categories at risk of complications, however influenza vaccination coverage is over and over far from the desirable target of 95%. After the pilot experience conducted in Palermo during the 2022-23 influenza season, the ‘Vaccinations in the ward’ project was extended to other Sicilian centers in order to evaluate the impact of the vaccination offer strategy in a broader territorial reality and to analyze the determinants of influenza vaccine acceptance among at risk people. Methods The project was conducted at the Umberto I Hospital in Enna and the University Hospitals of Messina and Palermo during the 2023-24 influenza season. A questionnaire was administered to the at risk hospitalized patients to investigate socio-demographic factors, behavioral habits, and clinical condition. Furthermore, influenza vaccination upon discharge was offered. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify the determinants of influenza vaccine acceptance. Results Overall, 374 patients with a median age of 65 years (IQR: 50-70) were recruited, of whom 36% had been vaccinated for influenza during the 2022-23 season (n = 136). The patients who accepted influenza vaccination in the ward were 57% (n = 214). The determinants of vaccination adherence were: age (OR: 1.03; p = 0.003); having quit smoking (OR: 2.68; p = 0.017); having received advice on vaccination from general practitioner (OR: 4.9; p < 0.001) and hospital healthcare workers (OR: 7.3; p < 0.001). Conclusions The offer of vaccination in the ward effectively increased influenza coverage among categories at risk of complications. Furthermore, the adoption of correct behavioral habits and the promotion of influenza vaccination by healthcare personnel have played a decisive role in the vaccine acceptance process. These findings could be useful for planning future influenza vaccination campaigns targeted to at risk people. Key messages • Vaccination strategies are needed to increase influenza coverage among at-risk categories. Active offer of influenza vaccine upon discharge can effectively increase vaccination compliance. • The adoption of correct behavioral habits and the promotion of vaccination by healthcare personnel play a decisive role in the influenza vaccine acceptance process among at risk people.

Implementation evaluation of a school-based intervention on HPV vaccination (the PrevHPV study)

Abstract Background HPV vaccine coverage (VC) remains lower than expected in many countries, particularly France. We developed and evaluated the PrevHPV multicomponent intervention to improve HPV VC among French adolescents. We evaluated the implementation of the school-based components of the intervention. Methods We carried out a mixed-method study embedded in a cluster randomized controlled trial (July 2021-April 2022; 14/25 French school districts). The cluster was the municipality (n = 91). The school-based components of the intervention were ‘education and motivation’ and ‘at-school vaccination’. Quantitative data were collected through standardized activity reports and self-administered questionnaires; the implementation outcomes were fidelity, dose, reach, acceptability and sustainability. Qualitative data were collected through semistructured group interviews with school staff and analyzed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Results We found high rates for: fidelity (e.g., 69% of the targeted classes had two educational sessions and 89% of schools invited all pupils for at-school vaccination, as planned); acceptability (e.g., pupils’ participation satisfying in 90% of the sessions, 96% of vaccinated pupils and 78% of school staff satisfied with at-school vaccination); and sustainability (e.g., respectively 91% and 76% of schools considered conducting sessions and vaccination days during the following year). However, the withdrawal of 1/3 of schools before the trial started and difficulties in mobilizing parents negatively impacted dose and reach. Several facilitators and barriers influenced the implementation of the components; they were related to the components’ design, the characteristics of both the external and internal environment of the school, the numerous stakeholders and individuals involved, and the implementation strategies used. Conclusions These results can guide policy making on school-based HPV vaccine promotion in France and Europe. Key messages • The PrevHPV study is supported by the French health authorities and conducted by a multidisciplinary consortium to tackle a long-lasting public health concern in France. • These findings have practical implications for implementing effective and acceptable school-based interventions in real life to improve HPV vaccine uptake and reduce HPV-associated burdens.

Paving the way for equitable and guaranteed access to vaccination for Newly Arrived Migrants

Abstract Background There is a gap in knowledge on the country-specific access to vaccination for Newly Arrived Migrants (NAM) in Europe, the obstacles encountered, and the resources available to surmount these barriers. The AcToVax4NAM project addresses gaps in the vaccination process of NAM in 8 European countries by developing country-specific, action-oriented flowcharts of the vaccination pathway that identify barriers and provide barrier-specific solutions. The flowcharts are linked to a comprehensive Repository of Tools aimed at providing tools to overcome system barriers and ensuring equitable immunization access for NAM in all consortium countries. Methods Country-specific action-oriented flowcharts group the vaccination pathway for NAM in the five hubs (entitlement, reachability, adherence, achievement, and evaluation) and offer solutions for identified barriers. Participatory research validated these flowcharts via focus group discussions with 84 total professionals FOR health (PFH) involved in NAM immunization. The tools were sourced from all consortium countries, encompass diverse formats and languages, and provide a holistic approach to vaccination promotion. Results The validated instrument was deemed useful, relevant, and easily understandable. Validated barriers included the lack of multi-stakeholder collaboration, culturally competent PFH, tailored educational materials, and language barriers. Meanwhile, the linked Repository includes 359 tools categorized according to the five hubs of the vaccination pathway. These can be filtered by language, country, type of tool, year of issuance, and/or intended target population. Conclusions The flowcharts and the Repository serve as the basis for a pilot intervention aiming to strengthen healthcare system responsiveness to promote NAM immunization. This participatory approach aims to equip PFH with a clear understanding of system-level vaccination barriers and solutions to enhance vaccination uptake among NAMs.

STOPS and multivariate hierarchical aglomerative clustering: segmentation of the public regarding children’s vaccinaton communication in Slovenia

PurposeFrom a public health perspective, vaccination programmes significantly add to long-term, safe co-existence. However, because there is no social consensus about their benefits and risks, the promotion of vaccinations is difficult. Based on Kim and Grunig’s situational theory of problem solving (STOPS), including communicative action in problem solving (CAPS), this paper both proposes a model for identifying the involvement of mothers of young children in communication regarding vaccination and advocates for a novel approach to STOPS and CAPS data analyses.Design/methodology/approachThe methodological design develops empirical analyses of the data yielded by the STOPS model. Two approaches to determining associations between situational-motivational variables and communicative-action variables in random-sample survey data obtained in Slovenia in 2016 (N = 1704) are implemented – i.e. visual methods and multivariate agglomerative clustering algorithm.FindingsThe STOPS model has been confirmed and both data-analyses approaches have shown potential by clearly demonstrating associations and patterns in the data. Based on these findings, we conclude that they have the potential to be the norm in analysing STOPS models.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of the study, which are still to be overcome, involve drawing on one sample in one country and testing only one set of indicators.Practical implicationsFrom an academic point of view, confirmation of both the model and the analytical power of the pragmatic data-analyses methods significantly add to communication studies. From practical and social points of view, relationships among attitudes and communication behaviour, as outlined in the exposed segments of the public, enable the improvement of every step in strategic-communication planning and implementation.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified need to establish a theoretical framework and methodology of segmentation in vaccination-communication studies.

"Not Only a Matter of Personal Interest"-Vaccination Narratives and the Model of Moral Motives in China and Germany.

Understanding vaccination decision-making processes is vital for guiding vaccine promotion within pandemic contexts and for routine immunization efforts. Vaccine-related attitudes influencing individual decision-making can be affected by broader cultural and normative contexts. We conducted 73 qualitative interviews with adults in China (n = 40) and Germany (n = 33) between December 2020 and April 2021 to understand COVID-19 vaccination intentions and preferences, and we analyzed transcripts using a five-step framework approach. During early analysis, we identified moral considerations in line with the tenets of the Model of Moral Motives (MMM) as a recurrent theme in the data. The MMM guided further analysis steps, particularly with its distinction between motives that are proscriptive (focus on avoiding harm by inhibiting "bad" behavior) and prescriptive (focus on actively seeking positive outcomes). Proscriptive vaccination arguments that compelled vaccination in our data included avoiding negative attention, being a law-abiding citizen, preventing harm to others, and protecting one's country. Prescriptive motives focused on self-efficacious behavior such as protecting the health of oneself and others via widespread but voluntary vaccination, prioritizing elderly and predisposed individuals for vaccination, and favoring a fair and equitable distribution of vaccines at the global level. In the interviews in China, both lines of arguments emerged, with a general tendency toward more proscriptive reasoning; interviews conducted in Germany tended to reflect more prescriptive motives. We encourage research and vaccine promotion practice to reflect moral considerations when aiming to understand public health preventive behavior and when developing tailored health promotion campaigns.

Overcoming Barriers to Childhood and Adolescent Vaccination: Opportunities in Precision Health Promotion

Abstract Background Vaccination remains one of the greatest success stories in public health as cost-effective interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases at the population level. However, the COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges to the immunization sector. Uptake of routine childhood and adolescent vaccinations was forestalled by challenges related to pandemic lockdowns/quarantine, reduced patient-provider interactions, parental reluctance to seek preventative services, poor access to health services, and loss of income and/or health insurance. Compared to pre-pandemic estimations, the pandemic era brought a consequential decline in coverage of all vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This study sought to address suboptimal adolescent vaccine delivery systems and bolster uptake in the post-pandemic era with the introduction of precision health promotion strategies centered around the use of Personal Health Libraries (PHL). Methods Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), and semantic web technologies to integrate contextual knowledge (i.e., clinical, biomedical, and SDoH data) with patient preferences, proposed PHL platforms could aid in generating personalized evidence-based recommendations useful to both care provider promotion of vaccination and mitigating patient and caregiver hesitancy. The proposed application stands to provide customized digital health interventions by 1) facilitating remote knowledge acquisition, exchange, and visualization of the benefits of on-time vaccination, 2) improving health information-seeking behaviors to reduce hesitancy, 3) bolstering patient reminder and recall systems for follow-up and series completion, and 4) learning usage patterns to incorporate end-user preferences to empower patients, promote best practices, and enable them to make informed health decisions. Results The proposed PHL would serve as an ecosystem to manage and deliver tailored vaccine-related information to inform health decision-making regarding ACIP-recommended immunizations. Such a resource could administer health education and promotion that addresses common misconceptions regarding vaccination, alleviate safety, efficacy, and side effect concerns, and deliver evidence-based support of vaccines as primary protective measures (i.e., cancer prevention). Conclusion The use of PHL would enable rapid and real-time collection and interpretation of patient data beyond the traditional clinical setting, supplying care providers with tools for optimal vaccination recommendation to bolster uptake in the post-pandemic era. Moreover, the application would enable patients and caregivers to readily access vital health information and play a crucial role in addressing the obstacles encountered when seeking accurate and dependable vaccine-related information.

Risk of Clade II Mpox Associated with Intimate and Nonintimate Close Contact Among Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Adults - United States, August 2022-July 2023.

A global outbreak of clade II mpox associated with sexual contact, disproportionately affecting gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), has been ongoing since May 2022. Information on types of contact most associated with transmission is limited. This report used data from a multijurisdictional vaccine effectiveness case-control study of sexually active persons aged 18-49 years who identified as MSM or transgender, collected during August 2022-July 2023. Odds of mpox associated with selected types of intimate and nonintimate close contact with a person with mpox were estimated. Among 457 case-patients and 1,030 control patients who met minimum data requirements, 150 (32.8%) case-patients and 57 (5.5%) control patients reported close contact with a person with mpox and were included in this analysis. Adjusted odds of mpox were 5.4 times as high among those who reported having condomless receptive anal sex with a person with mpox, compared with participants who reported close contact with a person with mpox and no condomless receptive anal sex with that person (OR = 5.4; p = 0.031). Although the mpox vaccine is highly effective, vaccination coverage remains low; a multifaceted approach to prevention remains important and should include vaccination promotion, safer sex practices, and increasing awareness that mpox continues to circulate.

The Potential of mRNA Vaccines to Fight Against Viruses.

Vaccines have always been a critical tool in preventing infectious diseases. However, the development of traditional vaccines often takes a long time and may struggle to address the challenge of rapidly mutating viruses. The emergence of mRNA technology has brought revolutionary changes to vaccine development, particularly in rapidly responding to the threat of emerging viruses. The global promotion of mRNA vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has demonstrated the importance of mRNA technology. Also, mRNA vaccines targeting viruses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and Ebola are under development. These vaccines have shown promising preventive effects and safety profiles in clinical trials, although the duration of immune protection is still under evaluation. However, the development of mRNA vaccines also faces many challenges, such as stability, efficacy, and individual differences in immune response. Researchers adopt various strategies to address these challenges. Anyway, mRNA vaccines have shown enormous potential in combating viral diseases. With further development and technological maturity, mRNA vaccines are expected to have a profound impact on public health and vaccine equity. This review discussed the potential of mRNA vaccines to fight against viruses, current progress in clinical trials, challenges faced, and future prospects, providing a comprehensive scientific basis and reference for future research.

When Low Social Trust Undermines Social Marketing Campaigns: The Impact of Social Trust on the Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccination Campaigns

Background Although COVID-19 social marketing vaccination campaigns have been developed and vigorously promoted to encourage citizens to vaccinate against COVID-19, many people have not responded to vaccination campaigns. Very little is known about the extent to which vaccination campaigns are effective at overcoming people’s resistance to getting the vaccine. Focus of the Article Integrating social trust into the elaboration likelihood model, the current study proposes a model to analyse the effectiveness of COVID-19 social marketing vaccination campaigns and to examine the extent to which social trust plays a role in influencing people’s perceptions of the effectiveness of COVID-19 social media vaccination campaigns. Research Hypotheses The study proposes hypotheses regarding the influence of argument quality and source credibility in COVID-19 vaccination campaigns on individuals’ perceptions of campaign usefulness. In addition, it suggests that source credibility and perceived usefulness of these campaigns play a role in shaping individuals’ attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination. Furthermore, the study posits that both attitude and perceived usefulness contribute to individuals’ intentions to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Lastly, the study hypothesises that perceived social trust moderates the impact of perceived usefulness on vaccination intentions. Importance to the Social Marketing Field The study holds significant importance in the field of social marketing for several reasons. Firstly, it contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics influencing individuals’ perceptions, attitudes, and intentions related to COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. Secondly, by examining the impact of argument quality, source credibility, and social trust, the study provides valuable insights into the factors that can enhance or hinder the success of vaccination campaigns. The inclusion of perceived social trust as a moderating factor in the study further enhances its importance in the field of social marketing. Understanding the role of social trust in influencing the relationship between perceived usefulness and vaccination intentions is crucial for designing context-specific strategies that account for the broader societal dynamics. Methods Online survey data were obtained from 413 adult South Africans. The partial least squares structural equation modelling technique was used to examine the model and test the hypotheses. Results The study found that the quality of arguments in vaccination campaigns and the credibility of the message sources affected how people viewed the usefulness of the messages and their overall attitudes. Surprisingly, although attitudes influenced individuals’ intentions to get the COVID-19 vaccine, the perceived usefulness of the campaign had no direct impact on vaccination intentions. Notably, the results revealed that low social trust played a role in making the perceived usefulness of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign message insignificant in predicting vaccination intentions. Recommendations for Research/Practice Social marketers aiming to improve vaccination attitudes and intentions should focus on two key strategies: emphasising the usefulness of vaccination by highlighting its benefits and leveraging credible sources like healthcare professionals and community leaders to enhance message trust. In addition, this study emphasises the crucial role of social trust in shaping individual responses to vaccination campaigns. Building trust in governing institutions, healthcare systems, and science can significantly impact vaccination acceptance and promotion. Limitations The limitations include potential social desirability bias influencing responses, the need for longitudinal data to establish causality, and the possibility of other influential factors beyond the study’s scope, such as culture and health literacy.