Background
Vaccines are an extremely powerful and cost-effective public health intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality. Improving health outcomes through vaccines is a key priority in the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Strategic Plan 2023-26. However, there are ongoing challenges in achieving and maintaining high and equitable vaccine uptake. A wide range of interventions have been implemented to increase vaccine uptake but there are important gaps in the evidence around determining which interventions or features of interventions are most effective, in which population groups and contexts.
Project aims
We aim to address the research question “Which interventions, or components of interventions, are most effective in increasing vaccine uptake in high and upper-middle income countries?”
Our specific objectives are to:
1. Collate and appraise the evidence on interventions designed to increase vaccine uptake.
2. Synthesise the evidence to establish which interventions are most effective.
3. Explore variation in the effectiveness of interventions according to intervention features, type of vaccine, context and socio-demographic characteristics of the population to gain new insights.
4. Collate data on intervention costs and existing economic evaluations.
The review protocol is available here, and is registered on the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42022369139).
Anticipated impacts
Understanding how best to increase vaccine uptake is a matter of great public health interest and importance locally, nationally and globally. The broad scope and novel analytical approach of our evidence synthesis will provide important new insights to this high priority topic.
We anticipate that our findings will facilitate better informed and more tailored decision-making around the best interventions to increase vaccine uptake. They may be used by policymakers, public health practitioners and healthcare professionals.
Our work will also highlight important gaps in the evidence base, thus informing the direction of future primary research.
Project dates
2022-2025
Lead researchers
Clare French, Dr (University of Bristol)
Deborah Caldwell, Dr (University of Bristol)
Julian Higgins, Professor (University of Bristol)
Sarah Davies, Dr (University of Bristol)
Carmel McGrath, Dr (University of West of England)
Annabel Davies, Dr (University of Bristol)
Partners
UK Health Security Agency
Health Protection Research Unit in Immunisation at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Funding
NIHR Public Health Research Programme (NIHR135130)
Public involvement
We are working with a diverse group of twelve members of the public, holding regular meetings to make sure their views help shape the research. Some of the public contributors have kindly provided biographies.
Funke Bello
Background
My name is Funke Bello, and I am a Nigerian born in Ghana.
While living in the UK, I pursued my studies and began working as a carer and housing support worker, a profession I cherished deeply. It gave me the opportunity to provide care and assistance to individuals in need, and I found great fulfilment in this work.
In my local community, I am part of a vision project that takes us to Nigeria each year to provide eye care and treatment for people who suffer from vision problems but cannot afford treatment. Our mission is to help these individuals live more fulfilled lives through improved eyesight. We rely on contributions from within our group and donations from friends and well-wishers. Additionally, we collect used frames to support our efforts. This project is ongoing, and we are committed to making a difference one step at a time.
My public involvement experience so far
Alongside my work in healthcare, I am also involved as a public contributor across a range of projects including the MAVIS study and a systematic review project aiming to explore the effectiveness of interventions used to increase vaccination uptake.
Why public involvement is important
These research projects provide us with the opportunity to work with researchers and share ideas on how research and health services and providers can better serve our community. A key area that I have felt passionate about is raising awareness of potential stigma associated with treatments or vaccinations, which may arise due to religious or cultural beliefs and exploring ways to address these in research. For example, we have created adverts and leaflets that are easy to read and understandable to all. We also explored other accessible formats to deliver information such as videos to ensure they reach the community. By improving communication and understanding, we aim to close the gap between the community, research and healthcare providers to ensure research and services are accessible and welcoming to all.
What I have enjoyed about being involved in research
I have learned so much through my involvement in these projects, especially from working alongside our peers who have diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, and I have valued the support received from colleagues in the research teams. The experience has enriched my perspective, and I encourage others to get involved in research through public involvement. I believe that one of the best ways to give back to the community is by helping to create an environment that provides better, more inclusive research, treatment and care for everyone.
Naomi Conteh
Background
My name is Naomi, I am a wife, mother and carer, I have undertaken all these roles at different times throughout my life. However, the roles I want to focus on is my caring role and my responsibilities within my community and public health involvement. Being a carer allows me to deeply understand and empathise with a wide range of people, their cultures, and their unique perspectives.
Working as a healthcare support worker, I have supported vulnerable adults and children with a range of needs, including learning disabilities, mental health issues, and dementia. My passion lies in prioritising individuals’ needs and ensuring they feel supported and empowered. These experiences have significantly deepened my understanding of how to provide compassionate and personalised care to different individuals, and I am always ready to expand my knowledge and learning.
My motivations for becoming a public contributor in research
My background and lived experience have shaped my deep desire to bring my insights as a carer into this public involvement role, where I can advocate for families and ensure that their voices are heard and their needs addressed in decisions about health research. I am also passionate about research and have now been actively involved in numerous research groups and studies because I recognise the transformative impact my voice can have.
My public involvement experience so far
I have participated in studies such as the MAVIS Study, Whooping Cough Study, COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, Mental Health Needs Research, a systematic review exploring the effectiveness of interventions to increase vaccination uptake, and I am also part of the Sickle Cell Patient Voice Group.
Why public involvement is important
Through my involvement in these studies, I have learned more about the research process and gained valuable insights into the barriers that can prevent people from my demographic from participating in research. Cultural, social, and religious factors often play a significant role in limiting engagement, but I believe that, by raising awareness and providing education, we can break down these barriers and encourage more people from underrepresented communities to get involved.
In my local community, I have supported families with complex needs and taken on leadership roles, such as Treasurer, coordinating activities and Women’s Leader in my church. These responsibilities have allowed me to work closely with others to create positive change in our community.
I strongly believe that research is not just for those with academic backgrounds; it is for everyone. By engaging people from diverse backgrounds, we can ensure that research is inclusive and benefits all.
What I have enjoyed about being involved in research
My involvement in research has changed my perspective, made me more confident, and empowered me to speak out and educate others about their rights and the importance of informed decision-making. I have seen how research connects us to opportunities and develops essential life skills, and I am eager to bring this experience to the role and continue making a positive impact. – Naomi Conteh
Nasra Gedi
Background
My name is Nasra Gedi, and I am 30-year-old women who is currently working as a cardio-surgery nursing assistant. I am aiming to become a registered nurse, within the upcoming year. I love anything associated with health, whether it is mental or physical health. I love reading and I love getting to know new people from different backgrounds and cultures.
My public involvement experience so far
I have now been involved in a few research projects since starting public involvement in 2020. My first project was about the COVID-19 vaccination and raising the community’s awareness especially the elderly and those less informed with language barriers or other socioeconomic barriers. After this project, I joined MAVIS Study which was about exploring the uptake of maternal vaccinations including the vaccination for whooping cough. I am proud of participating this group because we could see how our input was shaping and improving aspects of the study and we hope that it will have real life impact on healthcare professionals and patients who are pregnant so that more resources and work is put into supporting these patients.
Why public involvement is important
Being involved in research is important to me because I come from a community where people do not have access to the necessary information and support regarding vaccinations and other important health decisions, which is why we are under-represented in research. Having an opportunity to be involved in research is a great way to learn and share knowledge and be the voice of a community that is often unheard.
What I have enjoyed about being involved in research
The thing I enjoyed the most was learning about vaccinations, how they were created, and because of what I’d learnt through my involvement, having the necessary knowledge to encourage people in my community to consider vaccination. I also valued having the opportunity to ask questions to professionals who were able to answer these to the best of their ability.
Chloe Law
Background
As the Health and Wellbeing Manager at the Chinese Community Wellbeing Society, our focus is on supporting the Chinese-speaking community in Bristol and across the south west of England. With a nursing background from Hong Kong, I am dedicated to promoting health equity and addressing the diverse health and social care needs of our community.
My public involvement experience so far
I have contributed to various research projects including GPs at the Deep End, which addresses healthcare disparities; a study on barriers faced by ethnic minority groups in clinical trials; a systematic review project on interventions used to increase vaccine uptake; and research on palliative care in China.
Why public involvement is important
Engagement in research is important to me as it empowers communities by highlighting their unique needs and experiences. I find great fulfilment in collaborating with researchers and community members, as these partnerships enrich our understanding and lead to meaningful health interventions tailored to community’s needs.