Global Immunization Inequities-Challenges and Solutions

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "Vaccines and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 1234

Special Issue Editors

The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Interests: digital health; chatbot; behavioral health; health promotion; HIV Prevention; vaccines

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Immunization is recognized as an effective public health intervention; however, progress in this area remains disproportionate across the globe. Significant gaps in vaccine uptake and coverage exist both between and within countries, leaving many populations vulnerable to diseases that can be prevented by vaccines. These disparities are influenced by a range of factors. This Special Issue aims to explore the challenges and solutions related to global immunization disparities. We invite original articles and reviews that investigate strategies to equalize vaccine uptake and enhance health promotion and community engagement. We are interested in innovative approaches, such as digital health tools and artificial intelligence-based interventions, that can help expand access, support implementation, and improve immunization coverage worldwide.

Dr. Zixin Wang
Dr. Siyu Chen
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • immunization
  • vaccine uptake
  • vaccine hesitancy
  • vaccination coverage
  • digital health innovations
  • chatbots

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

14 pages, 264 KB  
Article
Vaccine Hesitancy Toward Dengue Immunization Among Indonesian Office Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study of Perceptions, Barriers, and Trust Factors
by Theresia Santi, Ridwansyah Ridwansyah, Veli Sungono, Natalia Widjaya, Keinata Nabila Euqenekim, Cessya Prianyanta, Sri Rezeki S. Hadinegoro, Budi Setiabudiawan and Juandy Jo
Vaccines 2025, 13(12), 1178; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13121178 - 21 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1072
Abstract
Background/Objectives: In the absence of specific antiviral therapy for dengue viral infection, vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure. Two dengue vaccines have been licensed in Indonesia; however, concerns regarding vaccine hesitancy persist. This study aimed to assess dengue vaccine hesitancy among Indonesian [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: In the absence of specific antiviral therapy for dengue viral infection, vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure. Two dengue vaccines have been licensed in Indonesia; however, concerns regarding vaccine hesitancy persist. This study aimed to assess dengue vaccine hesitancy among Indonesian office workers, comprising healthcare and non-healthcare workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study with an online survey was conducted between February 1 and April 30, 2025. Eligible participants were adults (≥18 years) employed in office-based settings, including healthcare facilities. Questionnaires were disseminated through company management teams and included 37 items on demographic characteristics, vaccination intentions, and underlying motivations. Data were analyzed to identify determinants of vaccine hesitancy. Results: A total of 377 respondents participated, the majority of whom were from West Java (335; 88.9%). One-third of respondents reported uncertainty regarding dengue vaccination (33.4% “not sure”), which was paralleled by hesitancy to pay for vaccination (43.2% “not sure”). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified five significant determinants of vaccine hesitancy, with willingness-to-pay emerging as the strongest factor (β coefficient = 2.024; OR = 7.57; 95% CI = 4.06–14.10; p-value < 0.01). Conclusions: Approximately one-third of the surveyed Indonesian office workers exhibited hesitancy toward dengue vaccination. Willingness-to-pay was the most influential determinant of vaccine acceptance. Targeted strategies to address financial concerns and improve confidence in dengue vaccination are essential for strengthening workforce protection and national preparedness against dengue outbreaks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Immunization Inequities-Challenges and Solutions)
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