Countering vaccine hesitancy through immunization information systems, a narrative review

Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2019;15(11):2508-2526. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1599675. Epub 2019 Jun 21.

Abstract

Immunization is one of the most important public health interventions to contrast infectious disease; however, many people nowadays refuse vaccination. Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is due to several factors that influence the complex decision-making process. Information technology tools might play an important role in vaccination programs. In particular, immunization information systems (IISs) have the potential to improve performance of vaccination programs and to increase vaccine uptake. This review aimed to present IIS functionalities in order to counter VH. In detail, we analyzed the automatic reminder/recall system, the interoperability of the system, the decision support system, the web page interface and the possibility to record adverse events following immunization. IIS could concretely represent a valid instrument to increase vaccine confidence, especially trust in both health-care workers and decision makers. There are not enough trials aimed to evaluate the efficacy of IIS to counter VH. Further researches might focalize on this aspect.

Keywords: Immunization information system; automatic reminder; vaccine; vaccine confidence; vaccine hesitancy; vaccines refuser.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Immunization Programs*
  • Information Systems*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Public Health / methods*
  • Reminder Systems*
  • Vaccination / psychology*
  • Vaccination Refusal / psychology*
  • Vaccines / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Vaccines

Grants and funding

This research received no grant from any funding agency, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.