Hannah Katharina Dasch

Thesis title:

Social and psychological determinants of vaccination uptake – Linking attitudinal and behavioural data to policy analysis and implementation

Abstract:

Adult vaccination coverage remains substandard,1 including the seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine. An annual flu vaccine is recommended to all adults, particularly those ≥65 years and with medical conditions (e.g., asthma, heart disease). Flu epidemics, however, occur, and cause between 500,000-1,000,000 deaths.2 Attitudinal factors, including perceptions of vaccine safety and effectiveness, affect vaccination uptake (beyond poor access to health-services). Immunisation advisory committees globally have recognised their importance (e.g., in 2018 WHO established the Behavioral and Social Drivers of Vaccination (BeSD) group). The overarching aim of the project is to facilitate evidence- based public health campaign design and implementation for seasonal flu vaccination. We focus on flu firstly because of its impact on public health when uptake is low; and secondly as potentially analogous to some of the COVID19 vaccines currently in the pipeline (e.g., potential seasonal uptake, perceived uncertainty regarding effectiveness).

First supervisor:

Nick Sevdalis

Pathway:

1-Health Practices, Innovation & Implementation

Cohort:

2021-22

Publications:

https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2020.1846397