We Know How to Curb the Pandemic. How Do We Make People Listen?

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A recent report by researchers from Northeastern University and elsewhere found that the number of Americans heeding most recommendations has dropped steadily since April. (Mask-wearing, which has increased, was an exception.)

This article relates several instances of intended audiences practicing appropriate behavior when they believe others are doing the same thing, i.e., adhering to social norms. What one believes others are doing influences our actions, but so does what we imagine they view as acceptable.

Source: We Know How to Curb the Pandemic. How Do We Make People Listen?

    Views 651

    Behavioural Considerations for Acceptance and Uptake of COVID-19 Vaccines: WHO Technical Advisory Group on Behavioural Insights and Sciences for Health

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    This is a report from a meeting held in October 2020 to discuss behavioral considerations relating to vaccine acceptance and uptake.

    The discussion focused on a series of key questions around achieving high and equitable uptake of vaccines through evidence-based and behaviourally informed strategies. This meeting report is the product of the discussion held by WHO TAG members during the meeting. It covers only the topics that were addressed at the meeting.

    The study introduces the topic by stating that behavioral research identifies three categories of drivers of vaccine uptake, in addition to people having the necessary knowledge:

    1. an enabling environment
    2. social influences
    3. motivation

    The three drivers interact and overlap, depending on contexts; however, for the purpose of understanding the problem and identifying strategies, it is helpful to keep the categories separate. An appreciation of each driver leads to its own set of insights and interventions, or mix of interventions, which will often vary across communities.

    Source: Behavioural Considerations for Acceptance and Uptake of COVID-19 Vaccines: WHO Technical Advisory Group on Behavioural Insights and Sciences for Health

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      Questions and Answers about the COVID-19 Vaccine

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      This page offers both the general public and health practitioners answers to basic questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. The questions include:

      • Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?
      • When will COVID-19 vaccines be ready for distribution?
      • How likely is it that safe, effective vaccines for COVID-19 will be developed?
      • How quickly could COVID-19 vaccines stop the pandemic?
      • What types of COVID-19 vaccines are being developed? How would they work?
      • How will we know if COVID-19 vaccines are safe?
      • Will other vaccines help protect me from COVID-19?
      • Will COVID-19 vaccines provide long-term protection?

      Source: Questions and Answers about the COVID-19 Vaccine

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        How do Vaccines Work?

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        This page explains the body’s response to pathogens, how vaccines help, and herd immunity.

        Germs are all around us, both in our environment and in our bodies. When a person is susceptible and they encounter a harmful organism, it can lead to disease and death.

        The body has many ways of defending itself against pathogens (disease-causing organisms). Skin, mucus, and cilia (microscopic hairs that move debris away from the lungs) all work as physical barriers to prevent pathogens from entering the body in the first place.

        When a pathogen does infect the body, our body’s defences, called the immune system, are triggered and the pathogen is attacked and destroyed or overcome.

        Source: How do Vaccines Work?

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          Vaccine Confidence: A Global Analysis Exploring Volatility, Polarization, and Trust

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          This study reports that there is growing evidence of vaccine delays or refusals due to a lack of trust in the importance, safety, or effectiveness of vaccines, alongside persisting access issues. Although immunization coverage is reported administratively across the world, no similarly robust monitoring system exists for vaccine confidence. In this study, vaccine confidence was mapped across 149 countries between 2015 and 2019.

          The study’s findings highlight the importance of regular monitoring to detect emerging trends to prompt interventions to build and sustain vaccine confidence.

          Source: Vaccine Confidence: A Global Analysis Exploring Volatility, Polarization, and Trust

            Views 536

            Gearing Up for Effective COVID-19 Vaccine Communication

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            This article offers tips to prepare for effective COVID-19 vaccine communication.

            The tips are:

            • Resist the urge to overpromise.
            • Be honest about what we don’t know.
            • Stick to solid ground.
            • Build trust in the process.
            • Go back to basics.

            Source: Gearing Up for Effective COVID-19 Vaccine Communication

              Views 812