Available online 18 April 2015 | Caitlin Jarrett, Rose Wilson, Maureen O'Leary, Elisabeth Eckersberger, Heidi J. Larson, the SAGE Working Group on Vaccine Hesitancy
This systematic review aims to identify, describe, and assess the effectiveness of strategies to address vaccine hesitancy across diverse global contexts. The review searched peer-reviewed and grey literature from January 2007 to October 2013, focusing on interventions that have been evaluated for impact on vaccination uptake, knowledge, awareness, or attitudes. The majority of studies (58%) were based in the Americas, with a focus on influenza, HPV, and childhood vaccines. In low- and middle-income regions, the focus was on diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and polio. Most interventions were multi-component, with a majority targeting knowledge and awareness. Social mobilization, mass media, communication tool-based training for healthcare workers, non-financial incentives, and reminder/recall-based interventions showed moderate evidence of effectiveness. However, the review found that few strategies have been evaluated, and the evidence is often limited. The most effective interventions were multicomponent and dialogue-based, tailored to specific populations and addressing their specific concerns. The review highlights the need for more research and tailored interventions to address vaccine hesitancy, particularly in low-income settings.This systematic review aims to identify, describe, and assess the effectiveness of strategies to address vaccine hesitancy across diverse global contexts. The review searched peer-reviewed and grey literature from January 2007 to October 2013, focusing on interventions that have been evaluated for impact on vaccination uptake, knowledge, awareness, or attitudes. The majority of studies (58%) were based in the Americas, with a focus on influenza, HPV, and childhood vaccines. In low- and middle-income regions, the focus was on diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and polio. Most interventions were multi-component, with a majority targeting knowledge and awareness. Social mobilization, mass media, communication tool-based training for healthcare workers, non-financial incentives, and reminder/recall-based interventions showed moderate evidence of effectiveness. However, the review found that few strategies have been evaluated, and the evidence is often limited. The most effective interventions were multicomponent and dialogue-based, tailored to specific populations and addressing their specific concerns. The review highlights the need for more research and tailored interventions to address vaccine hesitancy, particularly in low-income settings.