COMMUNITY PERCEPTION OF VACCINE MESSAGES IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

This paper explored community perceptions of vaccine messages in South-West Nigeria and their importance to vaccine uptake and health outcomes. Using a non-empirical, narrative conceptual review, the paper synthesised available research findings from pertinent peer-reviewed articles and credible reports on vaccination, vaccine communication, community perceptions of the issue, and vaccine hesitancy, particularly in Nigeria and similar contexts. Within the Health Belief Model, this article also identified the community’s perspectives on how government and authority, religious and cultural values, mass media, education, health care providers and health services may influence their perceptions of vaccine messages, identified the communication strategies employed, their obstacles and their eventual effect on confidence in vaccines. In conclusion, the paper argues that culturally congruent, evidence-based, inclusive communication strategies are necessary to combat infodemics, address vaccine hesitancy concerns, strengthen immunisation programmes, and improve health outcomes in South-West Nigeria.