Using behavioral insights to increase vaccination policy effectiveness

Author(s)

Cornelia Betsch, Robert Böhm, Gretchen B. Chapman

Abstract

Even though there are policies in place, and safe and effective vaccines available, almost every country struggles with vaccine hesitancy, that is, a delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccination. Consequently, it is important to understand the determinants of individual vaccination decisions to establish effective strategies to support the success of country-specific public health policies. Vaccine refusal can result from complacency, inconvenience, a lack of confidence, and a rational calculation of pros and cons. Interventions should, therefore, be carefully targeted to focus on the reason for non-vaccination. We suggest that there are several interventions that may be effective for complacent, convenient, and calculating individuals whereas interventions that might be effective for those who lack confidence are scarce. Thus, efforts should be concentrated on motivating the complacent, removing barriers for those for whom vaccination is inconvenient, and adding incentives and additional utility for the calculating. These strategies might be more promising, economic, and effective than convincing those who lack confidence in vaccination.

Organisation(s)

External organisation(s)

Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen, Universität Erfurt, Rutgers University

Journal

Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences

Volume

2

Pages

61-73

No. of pages

13

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1177/2372732215600716

Publication date

10-2015

Peer reviewed

Yes

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

501021 Social psychology

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Social Psychology, Public Administration

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being

Portal url

https://ucris.univie.ac.at/portal/en/publications/using-behavioral-insights-to-increase-vaccination-policy-effectiveness(ed7506b7-03b1-424f-b22e-2434ca1c33ec).html