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Policy recommendations for healthcare authorities, organizations and professionals on vaccine hesitancy in Europe

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Detalhes bibliográficos
Resumo:Vaccine hesitancy presents significant challenges to public health, exacerbated by a lack of cohesive policies in Europe. Recognized as a complex social phenomenon influenced by various factors, vaccine hesitancy threatens health systems and public trust. This paper analyses the political background and current gaps in policies addressing vaccine hesitancy, with a specific focus on the role of healthcare authorities, organizations and professionals in shaping effective responses. The VAX-TRUST project, funded by H2020 and conducted in seven European countries, provides a framework for translating social scientific research into actionable strategies within healthcare settings. Using methodologies such as the Delphi method, the project developed the ASTARE model, which encompasses six dimensions: Awareness, Support, Training, Agency, Recognition, and Engagement. These dimensions guide tailored recommendations to strengthen the capacity of healthcare professionals, organizations, and authorities in addressing vaccine hesitancy, enhancing public trust, and vaccine confidence and uptake. The paper highlights the necessity of evidence-based, collaborative, and adaptive policies that raise public awareness, counteract misinformation, and support healthcare professionals. Effective policymaking requires understanding legislative processes, leveraging scientific evidence, and fostering stakeholder participation. By emphasizing context-sensitive interventions and culturally informed strategies, this study provides a comprehensive approach for health systems to address vaccine hesitancy and improve public health outcomes across Europe.
Autores principais:Correia, Tiago
Outros Autores:Hilário, Ana Patrícia; Guerreiro, Cátia; Mendonça, Joana; Morais, Rita; Augusto, Fábio Rafael; Beja, André
Assunto:Evidence-based practice Health care professionals Policy making Trust Vaccine hesitancy Health Policy SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Ano:2025
País:Portugal
Tipo de documento:artigo
Tipo de acesso:acesso aberto
Instituição associada:Universidade Nova de Lisboa
Idioma:inglês
Origem:Repositório Institucional da UNL
Descrição
Resumo:Vaccine hesitancy presents significant challenges to public health, exacerbated by a lack of cohesive policies in Europe. Recognized as a complex social phenomenon influenced by various factors, vaccine hesitancy threatens health systems and public trust. This paper analyses the political background and current gaps in policies addressing vaccine hesitancy, with a specific focus on the role of healthcare authorities, organizations and professionals in shaping effective responses. The VAX-TRUST project, funded by H2020 and conducted in seven European countries, provides a framework for translating social scientific research into actionable strategies within healthcare settings. Using methodologies such as the Delphi method, the project developed the ASTARE model, which encompasses six dimensions: Awareness, Support, Training, Agency, Recognition, and Engagement. These dimensions guide tailored recommendations to strengthen the capacity of healthcare professionals, organizations, and authorities in addressing vaccine hesitancy, enhancing public trust, and vaccine confidence and uptake. The paper highlights the necessity of evidence-based, collaborative, and adaptive policies that raise public awareness, counteract misinformation, and support healthcare professionals. Effective policymaking requires understanding legislative processes, leveraging scientific evidence, and fostering stakeholder participation. By emphasizing context-sensitive interventions and culturally informed strategies, this study provides a comprehensive approach for health systems to address vaccine hesitancy and improve public health outcomes across Europe.