Is It Time for Vaccination to "Go Viral"?

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2016 Dec;35(12):1343-1349. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000001321.

Abstract

To promote and sustain excellent vaccination coverage, while preserving the key core values of ethics, truth, transparency and trust, the vaccine community should adopt modern digital communication strategies. This article summarizes our views-as experts in multidisciplinary field of vaccinology (consisting of an anthropologist, a public health policy advisor, a vaccine industry expert, a health care journalist and a practicing physician)-which were presented at a satellite symposium held at the 33rd European Society of Paediatric Infectious Disease conference in Leipzig, Germany, in May 2015. This article aims to suggest and recommend strategies to promote vaccination awareness, and highlight proactive measures for building, maintaining and enhancing trust in vaccination through innovative communication and evidence-based interaction with the end user. We believe that converting the results of vaccine research into a successful vaccination program, and replacing misinformation with evidence-based communication, will require a multidisciplinary approach that embraces modern digital and tailored applications to reach out to all populations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Germany
  • Global Health
  • Health Communication*
  • Health Education*
  • Humans
  • Immunization Programs*
  • Public Health*
  • Public Opinion*
  • Trust
  • Vaccination