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Policy recommendations for healthcare authorities, organizations and professionals on vaccine hesitancy in Europe: From evidence to practice

Publication . Correia, Tiago; Hilário, Ana Patrícia; Guerreiro, Cátia; Mendonça, Joana; Morais, Rita; Augusto, Fábio Rafael; Beja, André

Vaccine hesitancy presents significant challenges to public health, exacerbated by a lack of cohesive policies in Europe. Recognized as a complex social phenomenon influenced by various factors, vaccine hesitancy threatens health systems and public trust. This paper analyses the political background and current gaps in policies addressing vaccine hesitancy, with a specific focus on the role of healthcare authorities, organizations and professionals in shaping effective responses. The VAX-TRUST project, funded by H2020 and conducted in seven European countries, provides a framework for translating social scientific research into actionable strategies within healthcare settings. Using methodologies such as the Delphi method, the project developed the ASTARE model, which encompasses six dimensions: Awareness, Support, Training, Agency, Recognition, and Engagement. These dimensions guide tailored recommendations to strengthen the capacity of healthcare professionals, organizations, and authorities in addressing vaccine hesitancy, enhancing public trust, and vaccine confidence and uptake. The paper highlights the necessity of evidence-based, collaborative, and adaptive policies that raise public awareness, counteract misinformation, and support healthcare professionals. Effective policymaking requires understanding legislative processes, leveraging scientific evidence, and fostering stakeholder participation. By emphasizing context-sensitive interventions and culturally informed strategies, this study provides a comprehensive approach for health systems to address vaccine hesitancy and improve public health outcomes across Europe.

2025Journal article

Open access

Notes on the Intersection Between Sociology and Public Health: A Reflection Triggered by the VAX-TRUST Project Final Round Table

Publication . Hilário, Ana Patrícia; Augusto, Fábio Rafael; Bracke, Piet; Cardano, Mario; Esposito, Maurizio; Numerato, Dino; Polak, Paulina

This article aims to provide a reflection triggered by a ‘round table’ discussion at the VAX-TRUST project final conference regarding the interconnection between health sociology and public health. This interconnection is characterized by complexity, as it involves navigating the various ways in which sociological perspectives can inform and contribute to our understanding of health issues and the development of health interventions. Within these discussions, a tapestry of challenges and triumphs has unfolded, offering a rich understanding of the sociological landscape within the realm of public health. Despite encountering obstacles, researchers have exhibited remarkable resilience and reflexivity, navigating through uncertainties with unwavering determination. The project demonstrated the effectiveness of collaborating with the public health field in devising concrete action plan, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary engagement in driving meaningful progress in health and beyond.

2025Journal article

Open access

Working on a sensitive topic: the case of vaccine hesitancy

Publication . Hilário, Ana Patrícia; Augusto, Fábio Rafael; Mendonça, Joana

2026Book part

Restricted access

Just Getting Started: Exploring the Integration Processes of Food Assistance Volunteers

Publication . Augusto, Fábio Rafael

This article examines the dynamics of volunteer integration within food assistance initiatives in Portugal, addressing the critical absence of structured support systems. Drawing on an approximately year-long qualitative comparative ethnographic study of three non-profit organizations—a surplus food redistribution charity, a soup kitchen, and a social supermarket— this research uncovers significant gaps in integration guidelines and procedures. Through active participation as a volunteer, the researcher reveals how the lack of clear frameworks forces volunteers to rely on informal strategies, resulting in relational and organizational challenges. The findings highlight the pressing need for well-defined support mechanisms to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of volunteer contributions in food assistance initiatives.

2025Journal article

Restricted access