A new analysis published in The BMJ has identified key strategies that can significantly improve vaccine uptake across different age groups and populations, as global immunisation rates decline and outbreaks of preventable diseases rise.

The study highlights that extending vaccination opportunities, involving community members alongside healthcare professionals and offering financial incentives are among the most effective ways to encourage people to get vaccinated. These findings are expected to help policymakers and healthcare providers design more targeted and effective vaccination programmes.

To better understand what drives vaccine uptake, researchers conducted a large-scale component-level analysis of 237 randomised controlled trials carried out in high and upper middle-income countries. The trials involved more than 4.3 million participants across all age groups and covered vaccines included in the UK immunisation schedule.

The analysis revealed that different strategies work better for different age groups. For children, providing financial support to cover costs such as travel and offering decision-making tools were found to be beneficial. Increasing access to vaccination services and promoting social responsibility also showed potential to improve uptake.

Among adolescents and young adults, personalised communication methods such as phone calls, text messages and emails proved effective. Involving community members in outreach efforts, alongside healthcare professionals, also helped increase vaccination rates. However, decision aids and certain types of human interaction showed mixed or negative effects in this group.

For adults, direct human interaction, extended vaccination hours, assistance with scheduling appointments and financial support were key drivers of higher uptake. Motivational interviewing techniques and information about vaccine safety and effectiveness also contributed positively, while non-human interactions were found to be less effective.

The study also focused on underserved communities, where barriers such as limited access to healthcare, economic constraints and geographic challenges often hinder vaccination efforts. In these populations, strategies like extended access, financial incentives, and reminder systems were particularly effective in increasing vaccine coverage.

Researchers noted that the effectiveness of some interventions may have been influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic, which altered public perceptions and healthcare delivery systems. While the study provides broadly applicable insights, it also has limitations, including a large proportion of trials being conducted in the United States and limited data for certain intervention types.

The authors emphasised the importance of combining these findings with local data to tailor vaccination strategies effectively. They also highlighted the need to consider cost and resource allocation when implementing interventions, ensuring that vaccination programmes remain both efficient and sustainable.