Key Guidelines in Developing a Pre-Emptive COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake Promotion Strategy

Abstract

This paper makes the case for immediate planning for a COVID-19 vaccination uptake strategy in advance of vaccine availability for two reasons: first, the need to build a consensus about the order in which groups of the population will get access to the vaccine; second, to reduce any fear and concerns that exist in relation to vaccination and to create demand for vaccines. A key part of this strategy is to counter the anti-vaccination movement that is already promoting hesitancy and resistance. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a tsunami of misinformation and conspiracy theories that have the potential to reduce vaccine uptake. To make matters worse, sections of populations in many countries display low trust in governments and official information about the pandemic and how the officials are tackling it. This paper aims to set out in short form critical guidelines that governments and regional bodies should take to enhance the impact of a COVID-19 vaccination strategy. We base our recommendations on a review of existing best practice guidance. This paper aims to assist those responsible for promoting COVID-19 vaccine uptake to digest the mass of guidance that exists and formulate an effective locally relevant strategy. A summary of key guidelines is presented based on best practice guidance.

Views on the need to implement restriction policies to be able to address COVID-19 in the United States

“…The need to anticipate and develop communication strategies to successfully address the pandemic is critical. ( Bosman et al, 2020 ; French et al, 2020 )…”

Vaccine Hesitancy among Italian Patients Recovered from COVID-19 Infection towards Influenza and Sars-Cov-2 Vaccination

“…On the one hand, this kind of concern was—to some extent—valid at the time of our survey as there were various types of vaccines under development with lack of public data. On the other hand, trust is a well-known determinant of vaccine attitude that might have been threatened by fake news often spread through social media [ 23 ]. In an era where most of the information comes from collective events—rather than from the physician’s recommendations—it becomes crucial to improve communication and emphasize collective—rather than personal—responsibility [ 24 , 25 , 26 ].…”

Influences on Attitudes Regarding Potential COVID-19 Vaccination in the United States

“…The problem of vaccine refusal has many contributing factors and is present worldwide [ 6 , 7 ]. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a preemptive strategy to overcome vaccine hesitancy and build trust in a vaccine to prepare for maximum efficacy when a vaccine is available [ 8 , 9 ]. Controlling or ending the pandemic through a vaccination program requires an understanding of the reasons behind hesitancy towards a COVID-19 vaccine in the United States, as well as strategies to overcome this hesitancy.…”