Key Considerations: Using Social and Behavioural Science to Inform the Use of Vaccines During Health Emergencies

This brief synthesises social and behavioural science (SBS) research on the use of vaccines during health emergencies in sub-Saharan Africa, including vaccines undergoing clinical trials (‘experimental vaccines’). There are outbreaks of mpox, Marburg virus disease and Ebola (Sudan virus disease) in the region, and multiple clinical trials of vaccines for these diseases are in progress. Findings from SBS research can contribute to strategies to build confidence in vaccines and, importantly, the design of clinical trials and vaccine roll-out. To improve effective vaccine roll-out, it is critical to ensure that programmes consider social dynamics and community perspectives from the outset, rather than just at the end point of delivery.

This brief is based on a rapid review of published literature and draws on evidence from routine vaccination, vaccination in health emergencies and vaccine clinical trials during health emergencies. It highlights key issues and good practices that should be carried into the design and delivery of vaccine clinical trials during a public health emergency.