Policy briefing20th April 2021

Vaccine access and uptake

This briefing note explores factors influencing the access and uptake of vaccines; approaches taken by public health authorities; and the ethical considerations that arise in this context.

Public healthCOVID-19Child and infant health

Policy briefing (PDF)

Summary

• Vaccine uptake can be a ‘default’ or a proactive decision, and can be influenced by a range of factors, including how people understand and weigh up benefits and risks; where they receive information and guidance about vaccines; personal beliefs or values; and practical considerations.
• Public health authorities use different strategies to increase participation in vaccination programmes, including information or educational campaigns; and incentivised programmes or policies that make vaccination mandatory or a condition of access to institutions, services or employment.
• Ethical considerations for public health authorities include promoting good health and reducing the burden of disease; balancing individual, community and wider public interests; fair and effective use of public resources; and international obligations and global health security.