SocioVax: social science research on vaccination
Most children in the Netherlands take part in the National Immunisation Programme. Participation is high enough that fewer people become seriously ill or die from infectious diseases. But the participation rate (or vaccination coverage) does not always stay steady at that high level. It is higher in some groups than in others. If fewer people are vaccinated, then the Netherlands will see more people becoming ill, and more outbreaks of the diseases that we vaccinate against. That is why RIVM launched the SocioVax research programme. Through SocioVax, we are researching what could help increase vaccination coverage. For example, we explore how communication about the National Immunisation Programme can better meet parents’ needs. And we look at ways to maximise ease of access to the vaccination programme so it is available to everyone.