1.B. Workshop: Exploring vaccine hesitancy in Europe: understanding complexities and determinants

Vaccination is a cornerstone of public health, yet vaccine hesitancy continues to pose significant challenges in Europe, impacting vaccination rates and, consequently, infectious disease control. Vaccine hesitancy has been defined as “the delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite availability of vaccination services” and as a complex and context-specific phenomenon that varies across time, place, and vaccines. Unpacking the complexity and underlying issues that drive vaccine hesitancy across different populations and settings might prove crucial to address this issue effectively. For this reason, this workshop aims to provide information on the spatiotemporal magnitude, trends and patterns of vaccine hesitancy and its determinants in different European populations and settings. It will do that by delving into the socioeconomic, political, and commercial factors that influence vaccine hesitancy in Western and Eastern Europe, among migrants and refugees, and ethnic minorities, as well as healthcare workers. By exploring these aspects from various perspectives, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of vaccine hesitancy/acceptance and the importance of trust and engagement in promoting public health. The workshop will consist of five presentations, each focusing on a specific aspect of vaccine hesitancy, to provide insights into the multifaceted nature of the problem. The cohesive structure, and a moderated Q&A session, will facilitate meaningful discussions and collaboration, ultimately supporting international, intergenerational, and multi-professional exchange of information that may lead to the development of more evidence-informed strategies to tackle vaccine hesitancy. KEY MESSAGES: • Comprehending vaccine hesitancy complexities is vital for crafting evidence-based interventions, enhancing public health in Europe. • Address trust, engagement, and socio-political factors to combat vaccine hesitancy, boost coverage, and prep for future pandemics in Europe.