Vaccine preferences and their role for vaccine confidence and uptake

A meta-ethnography

Bibliographic Data

ID19530472
AuthorsJeniffer Landicho (0000-0002-4261-9296, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine), Thea Andrea Bravo (0000-0003-3747-3103, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine), Jonas Wachinger (0000-0002-5480-3138, Heidelberg University), Catherine Silvestre (0009-0000-8475-7446, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine), Kate Bärnighausen (0000-0002-4466-8921, Heidelberg University), Kerry Scott (0000-0003-3597-9637, York University), Till Bärnighausen (0000-0002-4182-4212, Harvard University), Shannon A Mcmahon (0000-0002-8634-9283, Heidelberg University), Mark Donald C Reñosa (0000-0002-7414-7174, Heidelberg University, corresponding author)
Year2026
Volume19
Issue1
Pages2588846-2588846
Publication date2026-12-31
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGlobal Health Action (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1654-9716 • E-ISSN: 1654-9880
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/16549716.2025.2588846
PMID41686121
OpenAlexW7128774129
LanguageEN
References cited155

Vaccine confidence and uptake are influenced by individuals' preferences regarding vaccine composition, quality, or administration pathways. However, literature synthesizing available qualitative insights into individuals' vaccine preferences remains limited. We therefore conducted a meta-ethnographic systematic review of the qualitative literature on vaccine preferences to identify opportunities for enhancing vaccine confidence and uptake. We implemented a comprehensive search strategy and screened 5,528 studies across seven research databases published between 2001 and 2023. We identified and synthesized 97 qualitative articles to delineate factors influencing consumers' vaccine preferences. Our findings revealed four primary domains shaping individuals' vaccine preferences: Product, Place, Price, and Promotion. First, individuals' preferences for vaccines often hinge on perceived quality and safety of the product itself, which can, for example, be associated with vaccine brand or origin, especially in the case of novel vaccines. Second, people prioritize convenience in terms of vaccination sites and delivery methods (wanting vaccinations offered at their doorstep or in local peripheral clinics); evidence regarding preferred groups to administer the vaccines was mixed. Third, the price of vaccines and the secondary costs associated with vaccination played a role in uptake considerations. Finally, both the sources of information (such as healthcare workers, community volunteers, and religious authorities) and the methods of promoting vaccine information (including face-to-face consultations during clinic visits and the distribution of leaflets or banners), emerged as crucial factors shaping decision-making processes. Overall findings highlight the importance of addressing multifaceted preferences to enhance vaccine confidence and uptake. By understanding individuals' vaccine preferences, strategic recommendations can be developed to optimize vaccination programs and ensure acceptability and utilization

Health care · MEDLINE · Qualitative property · Qualitative research · Quality (philosophy) · Vaccination · Vaccine efficacy · Bacterial Infections and Vaccines · Influenza Virus Research Studies · Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy

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