Enhancing Vaccine Uptake Among the Health Workforce: Key Strategies for Public Health Prevention

Vaccination is one of the most effective tools for preventing infectious diseases and safeguarding public health, saving millions of lives annually. However, vaccine hesitancy and skepticism have increasingly posed challenges to achieving high vaccination rates worldwide in recent years. The World Health Organization (WHO) named vaccine hesitancy one of the top ten threats to global health in 2019, highlighting the urgency of this issue. Combatting vaccine hesitancy is consequently on the WHO’s Immunization 2030 agenda.

Healthcare workers play a pivotal role in global vaccination uptake as the primary administrators of vaccines and in shaping public opinion and confidence around healthcare measures. Alarmingly, the current trend of decreasing vaccine uptake also applies to healthcare professionals. Several studies exploring factors contributing to hesitancy in this group found a combination of concerns, including the safety and efficacy of vaccines, self-perception of low susceptibility, lack of time, and insufficient knowledge about vaccines.

The following is a summary of the original Science Direct article “Strategies used to improve vaccine uptake among healthcare providers: A systematic review” written by  Rosaline de Koning, Mariana Gonzalez Utrilla, Michael Moore, and Marta Lomazzi.

Key Strategies to Boost Vaccine Uptake

It is crucial to develop targeted strategies tailored to this population to counteract vaccine hesitancy among healthcare professionals. 

Here are some of the most effective strategies identified:

1. Educational Initiatives: Dedicated lectures address knowledge gaps and misunderstandings about infectious diseases and vaccination. Tailoring educational materials to specific misconceptions can significantly improve vaccine confidence. Public commitments to vaccination by healthcare leaders can also enhance trust.

2. Improved Access: Facilitating easy access to vaccines is essential. Strategies such as mobile vaccination units, extended vaccination hours, and on-site vaccination clinics have significantly increased uptake. A systematic review of Italian studies supports the finding that mobile clinics lead to higher vaccination rates.

3. Motivational Incentives: Encouraging vaccination through incentives, regular feedback on vaccination rates, and new vaccination policies can boost uptake. Although controversial, mandatory vaccination policies are highly effective, often leading to coverage rates over 90%. However, less extreme policies like mandatory declination forms or mask mandates can enhance vaccination rates without causing significant controversy.

4. Tailored Campaigns: Identifying the specific barriers to vaccination in each setting and tailoring the campaign accordingly is essential. Many successful campaigns begin with a survey to identify misconceptions and barriers among healthcare workers. These barriers can generally be categorized into confidence, access, and motivation.

The Role of Influenza Vaccination Campaigns

Influenza vaccination is critical to public health prevention, especially among healthcare workers at higher risk of transmitting infections to vulnerable populations. Educational lectures, mobile vaccination units, and extended vaccination hours effectively promote influenza vaccination. Studies have shown that multi-faceted campaigns combining these strategies increase vaccination rates.

Improving Vaccine Uptake to Protect All

Enhancing vaccine confidence and boosting vaccination rates among healthcare professionals necessitates a tailored, multi-dimensional campaign strategy. Hospital and health center managers should prioritize identifying and analyzing barriers to vaccination specific to their settings. By adopting a holistic approach—encompassing educational initiatives, reminder systems, incentives, improved access, feedback mechanisms, and, when suitable, policy enactment—institutions can more effectively address hesitancy and foster a culture of vaccination.

Boosting vaccine uptake among the health workforce is not just about protecting healthcare providers; it is about safeguarding the broader public health and ensuring the success of vaccination programs. By implementing these strategies, we can move closer to achieving high vaccination rates and a healthier, more protected global population.

By focusing on these evidence-based strategies, we can significantly improve vaccine uptake among healthcare professionals, enhance public health prevention efforts, and protect communities worldwide.

Interview with WFPHA Leaders: Shaping the Future of Global Public Health

Executive Director of WFPHA, Bettina Borisch, sets the scene in an intimate interview* with Immediate Past President Prof. Luis Eugenio De Souza from Brazil and current President of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) Emma Rawson-Te Patu from New Zealand to discuss how our leaders shape the future of global public health. 

Reflecting on Progress: A Conversation with Luis Eugenio De Souza

Bettina: Luis, you have been president for two years and are now the immediate past president. What has your view been over the last two years?

Luis: The WFPHA has made significant strides over the past fifty years. In the last two years, we have introduced a pivotal change by integrating the promotion of peace and sustainable development into our core mission. This complements our ongoing efforts to promote health, prevent disease, and enhance well-being. We have set seven goals to guide these initiatives, marking a major achievement. I am proud to have coordinated this shift with our Working Chairs, Governing Council, and Advisory Board alongside our global partners.

Looking Forward: Emma Rawson Te-Patu’s Vision for the Future

Bettina: Emma, you inaugurated your presidency with a beautiful ceremony reflecting your heritage. How do you see the next two years? What are your plans for the WFPHA?

Emma: Our inaugural ceremony was indeed special, showcasing the cultural practices of New Zealand. As an Indigenous woman, I bring a unique perspective to this role. My focus will be on improving Indigenous health equity and outcomes. Despite numbering over 400 million, Indigenous people worldwide bear a disproportionate burden of illness and disease. The WFPHA, with its extensive network and influence, including partnerships with organizations like the WHO, is well-positioned to advocate for the health of indigenous communities. Promoting peace as a prerequisite for health and sustainable development remains a priority.

Bridging Local and Global Health: Insights from Luis and Emma

Bettina: Luis, how have you seen your work as president in balancing local and global perspectives over the past two years

Luis: Organizing the World Health Congress 2026 in Cape Town is our biggest challenge, serving as a platform to merge regional, local, and global perspectives. This event will bring together diverse health scenarios from South America, New Zealand, Australia, Asia, Europe, and Africa. Our main goal is to identify common principles that unite health workers globally and find actionable solutions to ensure the highest possible health standards for everyone.

Bettina: Emma, what local insights from New Zealand can be applied to the global stage?

Emma: New Zealand offers a unique context, allowing us to effectively control our public health and environment. This gives us a distinctive voice in the global arena, sharing successful practices while supporting countries with fewer resources. The public health community must remain humble, recognize our strengths, and lead by example. By understanding our place, we can better support others and achieve improved health outcomes worldwide.

A Message of Solidarity and Bravery

Bettina: As we progress through different presidencies, what is your message to our audience?

Luis: The WFPHA represents our community of over five million people, and we can drive significant change if we unite with one voice. Solidarity is key to our success.

Emma: My message centers on bravery. Public health faces many challenges, especially regarding resources. We can maximize our impact by working authentically and collaboratively and supporting each other’s strengths. Bravery means recognizing when to step aside and let others lead, ensuring that our collective efforts yield the best possible outcomes.

Conclusion

This dialogue underscores the shared vision and dedication of the WFPHA leaders. Prof. Luis Eugenio De Souza and Emma Rawson-Te. Patu bring diverse perspectives but are united in their commitment to advancing global public health. Their insights highlight the importance of integrating local experiences with global strategies, promoting equity, and fostering solidarity within the public health community. As we look to the future, their leadership will continue to shape a healthier world for all.

*Please note that this interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

Announcing Professor Ulrich Laaser as the New Chair of the WFPHA Advisory Board

We are thrilled to introduce Professor Ulrich Laaser as the new Chair of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) Advisory Board. His profound experience and unwavering commitment to public health make him an invaluable asset to our organization.

Born in 1941 in Königswusterhausen near Berlin, Professor Laaser has a distinguished academic and professional background. He holds a Venia Legendi for Epidemiology in Internal Medicine from the Medical Faculty of Cologne (1980) and became an external professor in 1987. His academic career flourished at the University of Bielefeld, Germany, where he served in the Faculty of Sociology (1989) and Health Sciences (1994). Notably, he was the principal investigator of the Stability Pact Project on Public Health Training and Research in South Eastern Europe from 2001 to 2010.

Professor Laaser’s influence extends beyond Germany. In 2004, he was appointed as a visiting professor at the School of Public Health in Belgrade and as an honorary professor at universities in Sofia, Bulgaria, and Tirana, Albania. His leadership roles include presidencies at the German Association for Health Sciences and Public Health (1997-2001), the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER, 1993-1995), and the WFPHA (2010-2012). He continues to serve on the Honours Committee of ASPHER and the Advisory Board of WFPHA. Additionally, he co-edits the book series on International Public Health, published by Hans Jacobs Publishing House and the South Eastern European Journal of Public Health.

Professor Laaser’s academic credentials are complemented by degrees from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (Diploma of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene, 1969) and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (Master of Public Health, 1970). His accolades include the German Hufeland Price (1979), the Andrija Stampar Medal from ASPHER (2008), and the WFPHA Lifetime Achievement for Excellence in Global Health Award (2023).

Over the past two decades, Professor Laaser has been instrumental in numerous public health projects across South Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, West Africa, the Pacific Region, and the One Health Commission. His vast expertise and commitment to improving global health make him the ideal candidate for this role.

We extend a warm welcome to Professor Laaser in his new role and eagerly anticipate his significant contributions to WFPHA. His leadership will undoubtedly steer us towards greater achievements in public health on a global scale.

The Importance of Maternal Oral Health for Mothers and Children

Maintaining good oral health for mothers is crucial for their own well-being and their children’s health. A mother’s oral health, knowledge, literacy, attitudes, behaviors, and socioeconomic status significantly impact her children’s health and significantly prevent childhood caries. Understanding and addressing these facts can improve health outcomes for both mothers and their children.

The Role of Oral Health During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a pivotal time for oral health interventions. Ensuring proper oral health during this period is vital, as untreated dental caries in mothers can increase their children’s risk of dental caries. It’s a prime time to encourage expecting mothers to adopt healthier oral hygiene practices. Regular dental visits during pregnancy are essential to prevent future dental issues for both mother and child.

Enhancing Oral Health Literacy

Oral health literacy is a powerful tool in the hands of mothers. It empowers them to make informed decisions about dental care.  Mothers with higher oral health literacy are more likely to maintain good oral hygiene practices and understand the significance of dental health during pregnancy. Healthcare providers should prioritize educational initiatives to boost oral health literacy in expecting mothers.

Addressing Socioeconomic Factors

A mother’s socioeconomic status significantly affects her oral health. Those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often encounter significant barriers to accessing dental care, including cost, lack of knowledge, and limited availability of dental services. Overcoming these challenges is essential to improving mothers’ and their children’s oral health outcomes.

Pregnancy Dental Care: Overcoming Barriers

Many pregnant women don’t seek or can’t access dental care despite its importance. This issue spans high and low- to middle-income countries. In the U.S., only 40% of mothers receive dental cleanings during pregnancy, with notable racial disparities. Dental professionals must be prepared and confident in providing necessary care to pregnant patients, following up-to-date guidelines and evidence-based practices. 

Promoting Oral Health Equity

To achieve oral health equity, we must create healthcare systems that support mothers and children. This involves integrating oral health into primary and prenatal healthcare systems and ensuring all communities access necessary dental care resources. Encouraging environments that support proactive oral health attitudes can significantly improve children’s overall health and development.

Maternal Oral Health: Key to a Healthy Future for Mothers and Children

Maternal oral health is a foundational element of maternal and child well-being. By focusing on oral health during pregnancy, enhancing oral health literacy, addressing socioeconomic barriers, overcoming challenges in accessing pregnancy dental care, and promoting oral health equity, we can create healthier futures for mothers and their children. Health professionals and policymakers must prioritize integrating oral health care into prenatal health systems to achieve these objectives. 

Understanding and addressing the critical aspects of maternal oral health can ensure better health outcomes for mothers and their children. Let’s work together to create a future where good oral health is a standard for all. 

This is a summary from the original Federation’s Pages, “Oral health is an integral part of maternal and child health,” published on 25 June 2024. Read it in full here.

Original authors

Hyewon Lee, DrPH, DMD, is a director at the Global Maternal and Child Oral Health Center at the Seoul National University Dental Research Institute and School of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea, and the chair of the Oral Health Workgroup of the World Federation of Public Health Association, Geneva Switzerland.

Khabiso J. Ramphoma, B.Ch.D, M.Ch.D, is a senior lecturer and specialist in Community Dentistry at the University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.

Alice M. Horowitz, PhD, MA, RDH, is a research professor at the School of Public Health University of Maryland, Maryland, United States.

Deborah Walker, EdD, is an adjunct professor at Boston University and Tufts University, Boston, USA, and the Women, Children, and Youth Working Group Chair at the World Federation of Public Health Association, Geneva, Switzerland.

Webinar: Enhancing Vaccination Data Collection for Healthcare Workers in LICs and LMICs

Date: 26th June 2024 | 10:00 – 11:00 CEST

This webinar addresses the critical need to gather comprehensive vaccination data on healthcare workers in low-income and lower-middle-income countries. This session will explore effective approaches to ensure that accurate and up-to-date vaccination records for health professionals are developed and maintained, highlighting the challenges and solutions in data collection processes. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of data for safeguarding healthcare workers against preventable diseases, supporting public health decisions, and enhancing overall workforce resilience in these regions.

Confirmed speakers:

Chief Dominique Kondji Kondji. President, Cameroon Public Health Association

Prof. Mohamed-Ridha Barbouche. Immunologist and expert of the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG).

Dr. Dragoslav Popovic, President, Serbian Public Health Association

Ms. Danya Arif Siddiqi, Deputy Director of the Maternal and Child Health Program, IRD Global

Chairperson: Dr. Marta Lomazzi. Executive Manager, WFPHA

If you would like to share your country’s or organization’s experience of enhancing vaccination data collection for healthcare workers in LICs and LMICs, or if you have any questions for the speakers, please contact secretariat@wfpha.org.

Webinar: L’importance de la vaccination HPV neutre de genre- Afrique francophone

Date: 24th Juin 2024 | 13:30-15:30 CEST

La vaccination contre le papillomavirus neutre de genre est essentielle pour protéger les communautés, arrêter la transmission du virus et réduire la stigmatisation associée à la maladie causée par le papillomavirus. La Fédération mondiale des associations de santé publique a mis au point une série complète de six sessions de formation en ligne, spécialement conçues pour répondre au contexte et aux défis spécifiques des différentes régions du monde. Ces cours sont conçus pour être interactifs, encourageant les participants à partager leurs expériences et leurs points de vue.

La deuxième session de cette série sera dédiée à l’Afrique francophone, avec un focus particulier sur des études de cas issues de pays tels que le Cameroun et le Tchad. Les intervenants expliqueront si et comment ils ont réussi à mettre en œuvre la vaccination neutre de genre contre le HPV et partageront leurs expériences en matière de mobilisation des gouvernements, des partenaires nationaux et internationaux et des communautés. Ce partage de connaissances vise à permettre aux professionnels d’autres pays africains de suivre cette voie et de pladoyer en faveur de la mise en œuvre de la vaccination contre le papillomavirus pour les filles et les garçons dans leur pays.

Orateurs confirmés:

Chief Dominique Kondji Kondji.Président de l’Association Camerounaise de Santé Publique

M. Lazare Komandegal. Président de l’Association Tchadienne de Santé Publique

La session sera présidée par Dr. Marta Lomazzi, Directrice exécutive de la Federation mondiale des associations de santé publique, et elle se déroulera en français.

Si vous souhaitez partager l’expérience de votre pays ou de votre organisation en matière de vaccination anti-HPV sans distinction de sexe, ou si vous avez des questions à poser aux intervenants, n’hésitez pas à écrire à secretariat@wfpha.org.