The Critical Importance of Communication Strategies in Vaccine Pharmacoepidemiological Studies

• Published in: Drug safety 2023-11, Vol.46 (11), p.1280-1281
• Main Author: Harris, H P
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adverse events; Applications programs; Channels; Communication; Communications; Context; Decision making; Digital media; Effectiveness; False information; Health care; Immunization; Medical personnel; Mobile computing; Monitoring; Public health; Safety; Social networks; Social organization; Strategy; Vaccines
• ISSN: 0114-5916; 1179-1942

In the ever-evolving landscape of public health, vaccine safety continues to be a paramount concern and, fuelled by misinformation, a major contribution to declines in global vaccine confidence and coverage. Vaccine pharmacoepidemiological studies play a pivotal role in monitoring the safety and effectiveness of vaccines and effective communication strategies are crucial in ensuring the accurate dissemination of vaccine safety signals to healthcare professionals, regulatory bodies, and the general public. Communication strategies must be tailored to the specific needs of diverse audiences. Healthcare professionals require comprehensive and evidence-based information on vaccine safety signals, allowing them to address patient concerns and provide accurate recommendations. Regulatory bodies need to communicate safety findings effectively to guide regulatory decision-making and inform policy development. Additionally, the general public should receive accessible, jargon-free information to foster a better understanding of vaccine safety signals and dispel misinformation or vaccine hesitancy. The Global Vaccine Data Network (GVDN) is a multi-country consortium dedicated to vaccine safety, effectiveness, and risk benefit. One of the key activities of the network entails observed ever expected studies of adverse events following immunisation. Such studies are, by design, highly sensitive to rare outcomes. Transparency of vaccine safety data comes with an obligation to provide careful, context and audience specific communciations. In the era of digital media and social networks, such communication extends beyond traditional channels. Utilising multiple platforms, including websites, social media, and mobile applications, can reach a wider audience and encourage active engagement. It is crucial to leverage these platforms to counteract vaccine misinformation and combat the spread of false narratives that can undermine vaccine confidence. Simply reporting vaccine adverse events in the absence of context and supportive information can fuel misonformation campaigns. To ensure research outputs are supported by multi-faceted communications the GVDN developed a comprehensive communications strategy. Network partners will be provided with key messages, FAQs, suggested social media posts, relevant imagery, media releases and guidance on communication monitoring. By leveraging various communication channels, combating vaccine misinformation, and emphasising ongoing surveil